Textiles Secretary Inaugurates India’s first Seri-Eco Tourism Project in Central Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Secretary, Union Ministry of Textiles, Neelam Shami Rao on Tuesday inaugurated the country’s first Seri-Eco Tourism project at the Central Silk Board’s P4 Basic Seed Farm in Manasbal, Ganderbal.

The project, themed “Soil to Silk – A Journey into Heritage, Nature and Livelihood,” aims to transform the farm into an immersive destination showcasing the entire silk value chain while promoting sustainable livelihoods in the region.

Rao was accompanied by senior officials including Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Padmini Singla; ADC (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Swayamprava Pani; Director, Sericulture Development Department, Jammu and Kashmir, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat; Member Secretary and CEO, Central Silk Board, P. Sivakumar; and Executive Director, Central Wool Development Board, GS Bhati.

Highlighting the initiative as the first of its kind in India, Rao interacted with scientists and sericulture stakeholders, assuring support from the ministry. She stressed women’s empowerment, urging local artisans to use the new facility to showcase their craft for better economic returns. She also discussed a roadmap for strengthening the silk sector and empowering farmers and artisans in the Valley.

The project is positioned as a model for converting scientific institutions into self-sustaining tourism hubs that generate revenue, preserve heritage, and offer experiential learning.

Officials said the farm’s scientific significance enhances its tourism appeal. The CSB-P4-BSF houses India’s only Temperate Mulberry Germplasm Bank, conserving 150 unique mulberry genotypes from 17 countries, making it both a biodiversity repository and a knowledge hub.