FIRDOUS PARRAY
TRAL-PULWAMA, Aug 7: In the serene village of Lalpora in Sub-district Tral, a young woman’s determination has taken a unique turn. Ruqaiya Jan, a 21-year-old, has embarked on an ambitious journey of cocoon farming, establishing herself as one of the few young women in the region to delve into silkworm rearing.
It was in 2021, while still pursuing her graduation from a local college, that Ruqaiya first entertained the idea of starting a silkworm rearing unit. Her curiosity led her to the Department of Sericulture in Tral, where she sought guidance and training. “I contacted the Department of Sericulture in Tral to set up a silkworm unit. They briefed me regarding the schemes and training and then provided me a silkworm unit,” Ruqaiya told Kashmir Despatch.
Cocoon farming, an age-old practice in Jammu and Kashmir, plays a pivotal role in the region’s economy. Despite its niche status, it offers substantial economic benefits in a remarkably short span. Ruqaiya’s interest was piqued by the swift returns that cocoon farming promises. “Rearing silkworms is a process of only 40-50 days, and its price is very good in markets,” she explained.
With the department’s support, Ruqaiya received a subsidy that enabled her to set up her silkworm rearing unit. Her unit has since flourished, producing between 90 to 100 kilograms of cocoons annually. This yield translates to a yearly income of around Rs 90,000 to Rs 1,00,000—a remarkable achievement for someone just starting out.
Ruqaiya’s venture has seen her rearing silkworms twice a year, during the prime seasons of May-June and July-August. This year, she plans to expand her operations further by introducing a third rearing phase, thanks to additional support from the Department of Sericulture. “This year I will rear the worms for the third phase too, as the department is providing us the silkworms for the third time in the year,” she noted.
Ruqaiya isn’t alone in her endeavor. Her father, Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh, has been a constant support, helping her gather mulberry leaves—essential for feeding the silkworms—from the local karewas and mountains. “I help my daughter in getting mulberry leaves from the karewas and mountains,” Sheikh said, reflecting the family’s collaborative spirit.
The family’s income from cocoon farming has steadily increased. In the 2022-2023 season, Ruqaiya earned approximately Rs 70,000. Her father is optimistic about their growing success. “During the initial years, we earned an amount of Rs 60,000 to Rs 70,000 annually, and we are hoping to earn above Rs 1 lakh this year,” he stated confidently.
The Department of Sericulture has played an instrumental role in Ruqaiya’s journey, providing both financial and technical assistance. “We received an amount of Rs 1.75 lakh for the construction of a shed, and we are thankful to the government for making us financially independent,” Ruqaiya expressed.
Ruqaiya Jan’s story is a testament to the potential of cocoon farming in transforming lives, particularly in rural Kashmir. Her journey from a curious student to a successful cocoon farmer is inspiring others in her community to explore this lucrative trade. As she continues to expand her business, Ruqaiya is not just securing her future but is also contributing to the economic fabric of her region.
