Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKAUST) takes another positive leap in the research od silk reeling and weaving
V-C, SKUAST inaugurates silk reeling, weaving unit
Srinagar: Prof Anwar Alam, Vice-chancellor, SKUAST-K accompanied by Dr A R Trag Director Research visited Division of Sericulture, Mirgund on June 18, 2008 to review teaching, research and extension activities being carried at the Division especially the work on Silk Reeling and Weaving .
The Vice-Chancellor inaugurated Silk Weaving Unit, the first of its kind in the Indian Agricultural Universities. By the establishment of this unit, the university has acquired capacity of assessing silk quality as influenced by factors like mulberry leaves and strain of the worms used will also pave way for many reelers to have easy access to reeling and weaving equipment to enrich their knowledge in the field of silk reeling and weaving but also help in long way to motivate them to take up value addition activities beyond cocoon production and thus generate rural employment besides producing high value products.
Dr. Afifa S. Kamili, Head of the Division and the scientists and other staff warmly received the Vice-Chancellor. The team along with the Head of the Division and scientists later on had a round of the experimental farm and saw the mulberry plantation laid down at the campus spread over an area of 28 ha of land and low cost cocoon production unit.Vice-Chancellor, Director Research and Head of the Division also planted saplings of the hybrid promising varieties of mulbery races in the field launching transplantation of nursery raised.
Vice-Chancellor, Alam also had an interactive session with the scientists and staff. HOD presented the research, teaching and extension activities and special attainments towards increasing cocoon productivity and promotion of double cropping being carried out. Alam appreciated the good work done by the scientists and simultaneously exhorted upon them to come up with the more creative research which people value and appreciate. He also advised them to mobilise their scientific acumen and intellect to seek more and more externally funded projects and tap the research funds that are available in our country. He also advised that wild mulberry which has little value in sericulture need to be removed for which legal ways should be found.
Dr. A.R. Trag. Director Research while speaking highlighted the landmark achievements made in the sericulture sector during the last 25 years of its existence and exhorted upon the scientists to come up with the new mulberry varieties. He emphasized on increasing productivity.
On the occasion, Vice-Chancellor also inaugurated the Guest House facility at the Station to comfortably accommodate the visiting scientists from outside who visit the University in connection with teaching, research and extension activities. The guesthouse is well equipped – a good addition at the Division.
Vice-chancellor expressed his satisfaction on the commendable job done by the researchers under the supervision of Dr. Afifa S. Kamili, Head of the Division and complimented her and other staff for establishing the Reeling and Weaving Unit.
(Daily Etalaat)