DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

On the directives of Punjab Horticulture Minister S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra, a five-day resource development training program was conducted for officials of the sericulture wing of the horticulture department to enhance silk production as part of crop diversification in the state.

Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Commissioner Mrs. Neelima, Director Horticulture Mrs. Shailender Kaur and the officials and scientists of Central Silk Board were honored as chief guests during the training program organized in collaboration with the Central Silk Board, Government of India at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA).

In her address, Mrs. Neelima stressed the importance of concerted efforts to promote silk production in the state. Director Horticulture highlighted that silk production in Punjab is predominantly carried out by small farmers in Kandi districts of Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur and Ropar. She said that the state government is providing subsidies under sericulture schemes for various activities such as plantation, insect rearing house, rearing equipment, training and exposure visits.

Subject experts and scientists provided technical information on various aspects of sericulture development in the state. Officials from the Central Silk Board, including Assistant Secretary Mr. Dashrathi Bahera, Scientist-D Bangalore Mr. Sadiq Ali, Director, CSR &TI Pampur Sri N.K. Bhatia, Scientist-D Mr. Sardara Singh and Surinder Bhat presented detailed insights on topics related to silk production.

The sericulture wing organized an exhibition showcasing various activities during the program. Besides this, training on personality development, self-awareness, time management and delegation skills was conducted by officials from the Goa Institute of Training Studies.
(editor@dailyworld.in)