Author(s):

Haroon Rashid Ahmad, Gulzar Ahmad Khan and MK Ghosh

Abstract: Cluster promotion programme was implemented in Bandipora district of Jammu & Kashmir from 2011-12. This programme was launched to have a mass impact of sericultural technologies so as to improve the socioeconomic conditions of farmers and to strengthen the long production chain of sericulture through improvement in cocoon production, productivity, quality. A cluster of villages and families located within the radius of 18 km from Research Extension Centre sub unit Bandipora were selected to facilitate closer monitoring and interaction of scientist as well as field functionaries with the farmers for obtaining remarkable results. Initially 150 farmers in 32 villages were identified for the programme and later on new farmers were added every year. Both the scientific as well as technical staff of Research Extension Centre sub unit, Bandipora with close coordination of field officers/staff of Department of Sericulture monitored the activities of the cluster. Technological interventions like distribution of chawki reared silkworms, rearing of high yielding silkworm double hybrids, pre and post crop disinfection of rearing houses and appliances were part of the programme. To facilitate transfer and adoption of technologies trainings, extension communication programmes and study tours were organized for the farmers. The results of these interventions were that the average cocoon production increased from 35.00kg/100dfls set as benchmark at the initiation of programme (2011-12) to 53.10 kg/100dfls (2015-16) and defective cocoon percentage decreased from 25.10 percent (2011-12) to 12.50 percent (2015-16). From the results it is clear, that technological interventions, monitoring, coordination along with the communication, transfer and adoption of technologies played an important role in the success of cluster promotion programme. Further to boost the bivoltine silk production of the country in a sustained manner, new clusters be opened in traditional and nontraditional areas for horizontal and vertical expansion of Silk industry.

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