Mohinder Bhagat Inaugurates Silk Marko Expo 2024

Chandigarh, December 4, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)

Punjab Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat inaugurated the Silk Expo 2024 at Kisan Bhawan, Sector 35-A, Chandigarh, on Wednesday. The first event was organized by the Silk Mark Organisation of India, the Central Silk Board, in collaboration with the horticulture departments of Punjab and Haryana.

The Minister released the brochure titled The Journey of Sericulture in Punjab. It highlights the growth, initiatives, and achievements of the sericulture sector in the state. The expo aims to boost silk farming and provide a platform for artisans and traders from across the country.

The event began with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony, symbolizing knowledge and prosperity. Distinguished guests, including Secretary Horticulture Mr. Ajit Balaji Joshi, Central Silk Board Member Secretary Mr. P. Sivakumar and Punjab Horticulture Director Mrs. Shailender Kaur, graced the event.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Mohinder Bhagat highlighted Punjab’s remarkable progress in sericulture. He mentioned that silk production is carried out in four districts of Punjab: Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, and Ropar. He informed that there are 13 government sericulture farms in the state, where basic silkworm rearing is conducted with the support of technical staff.

Minister Bhagat said, “The price of cocoons in Punjab has risen from ₹550 per kilogram to ₹1,250 per kilogram due to focused government efforts, ensuring fair compensation for silk farmers, particularly women engaged in sericulture. The state is committed to expanding this sector to uplift rural communities.”

Minister Bhagat also lauded Punjab’s achievements in sericulture, including winning the prestigious Silver Award at the Skoch National Awards 2024. The award recognizes the state’s efforts in promoting socio-economic growth and empowering women through the sericulture project, “Women Empowerment and Socio-Economic Growth through Sericulture.”

He added that the state has significantly improved its sericulture infrastructure, with cocoon production reaching 29,000 kilograms annually. Plans are underway to launch the exclusive “Punjab Silk” brand and establish silk reeling units to increase value addition and enhance farmer incomes.

He stated that farmers are being supported with subsidies of up to 65% for plantations, silkworm rearing sheds, equipment, etc., further boosting the sector. He also mentioned that over 60% of the sericulture farmers are women.

The Minister also explained that the government has reactivated the closed Silk Seed Production Centre of Sericulture in Dalhousie to enable silk seed production at the state level and provide these seeds to silkworm farmers at nominal prices.

He added that the state government led by chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is empowering rural communities, creating sustainable livelihoods, and strengthening the silk industry, ensuring its growth and global recognition.

Secretary Horticulture Punjab Mr. Ajit Balaji Joshi highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of silk farmers and artisans. He emphasized that initiatives like the Silk Expo aim to boost the silk industry and create sustainable opportunities for rural communities, especially women involved in the silk trade in the state

Mr. P. Sivakumar, Member Secretary of the Central Silk Board, lauded the efforts of Punjab in promoting sericulture. He commended the state’s initiatives and assured full support from the Central Silk Board to enhance and expand sericulture activities in Punjab.

At the event, Director of Horticulture, Mrs. Shailender Kaur, explained the state’s progress in sericulture and its role in empowering farmers through government initiatives and support.

During the event, a brief video showcasing the achievements and future vision of Punjab’s horticulture sector was screened.

Before the event, Minister Mohinder Bhagat visited several state stalls, interacting with artisans and exhibitors. He appreciated their efforts and highlighted the importance of such expos for promoting regional craftsmanship.

The Silk Expo, which runs until December 9, features stalls by artisans and traders from states such as Punjab, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar. Registered institutions under the Central Silk Board are also showcasing a variety of pure silk products, including sarees, stoles, and home décor items.

During the award distribution ceremony, Minister Mohinder Bhagat honored key contributors to the sericulture sector, including departmental officials, for their dedicated efforts in advancing sericulture and supporting farmers welfare.

Prominent among others who were present during the event included : HOD (Spl.) Horticulture Haryana Dr. Arjun Singh Saini, Joint Director Punjab Horticulture Dr. Tajinder Singh Bajwa, Scientist Central Silk Board (CSB) N.S. Gehlot, Deputy Secretary CSB Dasarathi Behera, DDH-cum-Nodal Officer Punjab Sericulture Dr. Dalbir Singh, Deputy Director Punjab Horticulture Dr. Harpreet Singh Sethi, DDH-cum-Sericulture Officer Sujanpur Dr. Shammi Kumar, ADH Sericulture Officer Mukerian Dr. Balwinder Singh, Sericulture Manager Avtar Singh, Assistant Nodal Officer Sericulture Ms. Meenu, and Horticulture Development Officer Dr. Lakhbir Singh.