Under the aegis of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, the Central Silk Board (CSB) successfully organized a three-day Farmers’ Skill Training (FST) programme from January 13 to 15, 2026, at the P4-Basic Seed Farm, CSB–CSRTI–Pampore, Manasbal, District Ganderbal. The programme was conducted under the Capacity Building Training (CBT) initiative with the theme “Women Empowerment through Cocoon Crafting.”
The training programme was spearheaded by Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Scientist-D and Officer-in-Charge, CSB–CSRTI–Pampore, along with his team. The initiative was carried out under the guidance of Shri P. Sivakumar, IFS, Hon’ble Member Secretary, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, Bengaluru, and Dr. Sardar Singh, Director, CSB–CSRTI, Pampore.
A total of 20 women members from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) participated in the training, which focused on imparting practical skills in cocoon crafting as an alternative and value-added livelihood option within sericulture. One of the major highlights of the programme was the creation of a cocoon-crafted replica of the Holy Hazratbal Shrine, a first-of-its-kind achievement for the trainees. In addition, participants crafted several decorative and artistic items, which were later showcased in framed displays.
The eco-friendly and plastic-free nature of cocoon crafts, coupled with their seasonal relevance, makes them a promising income-generating activity for women engaged in sericulture. By utilizing a portion of their cocoon produce for crafting, SHG members can create unique handicrafts for sale, particularly targeting tourists travelling to Pahalgam and Sonamarg in the Kashmir Valley.
The programme marked a significant step towards women empowerment, skill diversification, and sustainable livelihood development in the region through innovative use of sericultural resources.