Punjab’s “Har Ghar Resham” Mission to Boost Silk Production and Farmers’ Livelihoods

Punjab’s “Har Ghar Resham” Mission to Boost Silk Production and Farmers’ Livelihoods

Punjab’s “Har Ghar Resham” Mission Set to Revolutionize Silk Production and Support Farmers

In a bold step towards enhancing silk production and improving the livelihoods of silkworm farmers, the Punjab Government has launched the “Har Ghar Resham” mission. The initiative, unveiled by Horticulture Minister Shri Mohinder Bhagat, focuses on the establishment of reeling and cocoon storage units in key districts of Pathankot and Gurdaspur. This development is expected to provide new opportunities for farmers, boost silk production, and create a sustainable income stream in rural areas.

Minister Bhagat chaired a review meeting at the Punjab Civil Secretariat on February 6, where he outlined the vision for the mission and discussed its key components. According to the Minister, the government is committed to promoting sericulture as a viable and profitable agricultural sector, particularly in regions with untapped potential like Pathankot and Gurdaspur.

Establishing Reeling and Cocoon Storage Units for Farmers

As part of the “Har Ghar Resham” mission, the Punjab Government will set up specialized reeling and cocoon storage units, both of which are essential for enhancing silk production. The reeling unit will enable local farmers to produce high-quality silk threads directly from silkworms, thus improving the value of their harvests. The cocoon storage units will ensure that silkworm farmers can store their produce efficiently, preserving the quality of their cocoons before they are processed.

By creating these infrastructure facilities, the government aims to streamline the silk production process, making it more cost-effective for farmers and increasing the overall output of silk in the state. This initiative not only supports the growth of the sericulture industry but also contributes to the economic development of Punjab’s rural areas.

Support for Silkworm Farmers

The Punjab Government, in collaboration with HDFC Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Fund, has launched a scheme to support farmers, particularly those below the poverty line, by providing them with silkworm seeds. The ₹14.82 lakh scheme aims to encourage more farmers to engage in sericulture by supplying them with the necessary materials to start cultivating silkworms.

Minister Bhagat expressed that the initiative is designed to uplift farmers who are struggling financially, providing them with a pathway to enhance their income by diversifying into silk farming. This scheme is expected to make sericulture a viable option for small and marginalized farmers, thereby improving their living standards and reducing poverty in rural communities.

HDFC Bank’s Role in the Mission

HDFC Bank is playing a crucial role in the “Har Ghar Resham” mission by contributing ₹51.17 lakh under its CSR program for the installation of reeling units. These funds will be utilized to establish the infrastructure necessary for silk production, including advanced machinery to transform cocoons into silk threads. This partnership with HDFC Bank is a significant boost to the mission, as it ensures that the required resources and technology are in place to support farmers and increase silk production.

Through its CSR initiatives, HDFC Bank aims to empower rural farmers by providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the sericulture industry. The bank’s commitment to the mission is a testament to the potential of public-private partnerships in driving rural economic growth and creating sustainable agricultural practices.

Educational and Entrepreneurial Support for Farmers

As part of the broader initiative, the Punjab Government will also implement the PHASE (Punjab Horticulture Agriculture Support and Empowerment) scheme, which will focus on promoting the cluster approach. This scheme aims to train farmers in entrepreneurship and help them develop their agricultural businesses, with a particular focus on sericulture. Interstate study tours will also be organized to expose farmers to successful sericulture models in other regions.

The aim of this educational component is to empower farmers by equipping them with the skills necessary to manage and grow their agricultural businesses. With guidance from experts, farmers will be able to optimize silk production, improve efficiency, and increase profitability.

Silk Expo to Promote Sericulture

To further promote sericulture in Punjab, the state organized a Silk Expo from December 4 to 9, 2024, at the Kisan Bhavan in Chandigarh. The event was designed to highlight the benefits of sericulture, showcase successful farming practices, and provide farmers with valuable information on how to boost silk production. The event also featured experts from the Central Silk Board, who offered guidance and support for the growing sector.

Minister Bhagat expressed confidence that such initiatives, along with ongoing support from government agencies and private partners, will help transform sericulture into a thriving industry in Punjab.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Sericulture in Punjab

The launch of the “Har Ghar Resham” mission represents a major leap forward for the sericulture industry in Punjab. With the establishment of reeling and cocoon storage units, the provision of silkworm seeds to farmers, and the support of private sector partners like HDFC Bank, this mission is set to revolutionize silk production in the state. By empowering farmers with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need, the Punjab Government is creating a sustainable, profitable, and impactful industry that will improve the lives of many rural families.

Through these efforts, Punjab is poised to become a key player in India’s silk industry, ensuring that the state’s sericulture sector thrives for years to come.