Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 5

Scientists, policymakers, and industry experts on Friday called for stronger climate-resilient soil management practices to support India’s sericulture sector, highlighting the growing challenges posed by climate change to silk production and rural livelihoods.

The discussions took place during the Soil Scientists Meet 2026 organised by the Central Sericulture Research and Training Institute (CSR&TI), Pampore, under the Central Silk Board (CSB), Ministry of Textiles.

Held at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Srinagar as part of World Environment Day observances, the event brought together researchers, academicians, extension workers and stakeholders from across the sericulture sector.

The conference was organised under the theme ‘Soil Health for Silk: Strategies for Sustainable Sericulture.’

Participants focused on the role of healthy soils in maintaining productivity, improving resilience to climate change and ensuring the long-term sustainability of silk production systems.

India is among the world’s largest producers of silk, and sericulture remains an important source of employment and income in several rural regions, including parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the gathering, CSR&TI Director Sakthivel N said healthy soil formed the foundation of sustainable sericulture and would become increasingly important as producers confront changing climatic conditions.

“Soil health remains a key factor in ensuring the long-term sustainability and resilience of silk production systems,” he said.

According to experts, changing rainfall patterns, temperature fluctuations and land degradation have created new challenges for mulberry cultivation, which forms the basis of silk production.

Improving soil fertility, increasing water retention and adopting climate-resilient farming techniques have therefore become important priorities for researchers and policymakers.

S Manthira Moorthy, Director (Technical) of the Central Silk Board, stressed the need for scientific interventions and integrated soil management practices to strengthen the sector.

He said technological innovation and efficient resource management would play a crucial role in maintaining productivity while reducing environmental pressures.

Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, Director of the Sericulture Development Department in Jammu and Kashmir, called for region-specific approaches to soil management and agricultural planning.

He said local climatic and geographical conditions required tailored strategies capable of improving productivity while supporting the livelihoods of farmers dependent on sericulture.

In a virtual address, Central Silk Board Member Secretary and Chief Executive Officer P. Sivakumar highlighted the importance of collaboration among research institutions, government agencies and industry stakeholders.

He said technology-driven solutions would be essential for developing climate-resilient production systems capable of sustaining growth in the sector.

A major highlight of the programme was the release of a new publication titled “Climate Resilient Sericulture in India: Challenges, Impacts and Adaptation Strategies.”

The book examines the effects of climate change on the sericulture industry and outlines adaptation measures aimed at reducing risks and strengthening resilience.

Participants said the publication could serve as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers and practitioners working to address environmental challenges affecting silk production.

As part of World Environment Day activities, organisers also conducted a plantation drive aimed at promoting environmental conservation and ecological awareness.

The event concluded with technical discussions on improving soil health, strengthening climate resilience and supporting sustainable growth in India’s sericulture sector.

Participants said continued research, innovation and collaboration would be critical for ensuring that the industry remains productive and environmentally sustainable in the years ahead.