Ganderbal, September 09: Secretary of the Union Ministry of Textiles, Smt. Neelam Shami Rao today inaugurated the first-of-its-kind Seri-Eco Tourism project at the Central Silk Board’s P4 Basic Seed Farm (CSB-P4-BSF) in Manasbal, Ganderbal. This project, themed “Soil to Silk – A Journey into Heritage, Nature & Livelihood,” is designed to transform the scenic farm into an immersive destination, offering visitors a unique insight into the complete silk value chain while promoting sustainable development in the region.
The strategic importance of this initiative was underscored by the presence of a distinguished high-level delegation. The Secretary was accompanied by Ms. Padmini Singla, IAS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles; Ms. Swayamprava Pani, ADC (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India; Shri Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IAS, Director of the Sericulture Development Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir ; Shri P. Sivakumar, IFS, Member Secretary & CEO of the Central Silk Board and Shri G.S. Bhati, Executive Director of the Central Wool Development Board.
The Seri-Tourism project at Manasbal is a pioneering agro-ecotourism concept that connects visitors to the entire “Soil-to-Silk” journey, from mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing to the final stages of cocoon reeling and weaving. The initiative aims to promote India’s silk heritage, provide experiential learning, generate sustainable rural employment, and empower local communities, particularly women and youth.
Secretary Smt. Neelam Shami Rao engaged in a productive interaction with scientists and sericulture stakeholders. She congratulated the team CSB for the initiative to develop Manasbal farm as a seri tourism hub-The first of its kind in India. She spoke about women empowerment and ensured all possible support from the Ministry of Textiles. She encouraged the local artisans to utilize this seri-tourism facility to showcase their craft for better economic returns. She discussed the roadmap for strengthening the silk sector and empowering local artisans and farmers in the valley. The project is envisioned to serve as a national blueprint for developing a scientific institution into a self-sustaining tourism hub that generates revenue while educating the public and preserving heritage.
A key highlight of the destination is its scientific significance, as the CSB-P4-BSF houses India’s only Temperate Mulberry Germplasm Bank, a vital national repository conserving 150 unique mulberry genotypes from 17 different countries. This transforms the farm into both a tourist attraction and a knowledge hub, showcasing the biodiversity and research that underpin the silk industry.
