Punjab Expands Agriculture Support Occupations: Silk Products to Hit Market Under State's Own Brand

The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is actively exploring new opportunities to promote agriculture-related occupations to boost farmers' incomes. As part of this initiative, the state has taken significant steps toward launching its own brand for silk products. Additionally, shrimp and fish farming is being encouraged under the Blue Revolution scheme to further enhance farmers' earnings.

In a landmark event, the logo for Punjab’s silk products was unveiled during the state-level celebration of Silk Day at Magsipa, Hoshiarpur, on September 22. This move marks the beginning of efforts to increase silk production in the state, with the goal of doubling output by the end of 2025.

Currently, around 1,200 to 1,400 silkworm farmers across 230 villages in semi-hilly regions of Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, and Ropar are engaged in sericulture. Punjab produces two main types of silk: Bivoltine Mulberry and Eri silk. Annually, about 30,000 to 35,000 kg of mulberry silk and 5,000 to 8,000 kg of eri silk are being produced.

Recognizing the labor-intensive nature of sericulture and the low returns for farmers, the Punjab government is taking measures to reduce costs by producing silk seeds in government-run farms and providing them to farmers at affordable rates. A reeling unit has already been established in Pathankot to process cocoons into silk thread, which is expected to increase farmers’ income by 1.5 to 2 times.

In addition to sericulture, the government is actively promoting shrimp and fish farming. During the year 2023-2024, the area under fisheries increased by 1,942 acres. Sixteen fish pond farms are providing quality services, and self-employment opportunities have been offered to 450 beneficiaries through a Rs 25 crore subsidy.

The government is also offering essential services to shrimp farmers at a Demonstration Farm-cum-Training Center located in Ena Khera village, Sri Muktsar Sahib. Furthermore, the Punjab government is providing subsidies ranging from 40% to 60% for various projects related to fish and shrimp farming, ensuring the growth of alternative agriculture occupations in the state.