Punjab Launches Mission “Har Ghar Resham” to Boost Silk Production and Empower Farmers

The Punjab government has taken a significant step toward promoting sericulture and improving the living standards of silkworm farmers by launching Mission “Har Ghar Resham.” Under this initiative, the state will establish reeling and cocoon storage units to enhance silk production, with Pathankot and Gurdaspur serving as key districts for its implementation. This was announced by Punjab’s Horticulture Minister, Shri Mohinder Bhagat, during a high-level review meeting held at the Punjab Civil Secretariat. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary of Horticulture, Mr. Anurag Verma, and Director of Horticulture, Mrs. Shailender Kaur, along with other senior officials.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to boosting sericulture, Shri Mohinder Bhagat emphasized the need to create better opportunities for silkworm farmers. As part of this effort, a Silk Expo was successfully organized from December 4 to December 9, 2024, at Kisan Bhavan, Chandigarh. This event aimed to promote silk production in Punjab while increasing the income of farmers engaged in sericulture. The Central Silk Board has extended its support for this initiative, ensuring sustained development in the coming years.

The Punjab government has also collaborated with HDFC Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Fund Scheme to provide additional support to farmers. Under this initiative, ₹14.82 lakh has been allocated to provide silkworm seed material to farmers from economically weaker backgrounds. This will not only encourage farmers to take up sericulture but will also significantly improve their standard of living. Furthermore, HDFC Bank has pledged ₹51.17 lakh under its CSR program for setting up a reeling unit, which will facilitate the production of silk threads from cocoons. This new unit is expected to substantially increase farmers’ earnings and provide them with long-term economic benefits.

In addition to these measures, the Punjab government is promoting the PHASE scheme, which focuses on adopting a cluster-based approach to educate and train farmers in agricultural business entrepreneurship. As part of this initiative, interstate study tours will be organized to provide farmers with exposure to advanced sericulture techniques. HDFC Bank’s CSR program will provide the necessary financial assistance for these study tours, ensuring that Punjab’s farmers stay informed about the latest advancements in the industry. This initiative marks a crucial step in strengthening the silk industry in the state while driving economic development in rural areas.

The review meeting was attended by several senior officials, including Deputy Director of Horticulture Shri Harmail Singh, Horticulture Development Officer Balwinderjit Kaur, and Sericulture Promotion Officer Meenu Sidana. All officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting farmers and implementing policies that will boost silk production in Punjab.

With these initiatives, the Punjab government is laying the foundation for a thriving sericulture industry, ensuring that silkworm farmers receive the necessary resources, training, and financial support to succeed. By implementing Mission “Har Ghar Resham,” the state is moving towards self-sufficiency in silk production, creating employment opportunities, and improving the livelihoods of countless farmers.

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