The Diplomat Desk
Poonch : TDD,Dr. Rubia Bukhari, a dedicated academic and leader in the field of sericulture, has launched the Cocoon Artistry Initiative, a project aimed at revitalizing the sericulture industry in Jammu and Kashmir while empowering local communities, especially youth and women, with sustainable livelihood opportunities. Dr. Bukhari, a Doctorate in Sericulture and I/C Department of Sericulture at Poonch Campus, initiated this project after seeing a decline in interest among sericulture farmers during a training program at Poonch Campus. Farmers voiced challenges related to price instability and disease issues, revealing an urgent need to reinvigorate an industry that has long been a source of livelihood in the border regions of Rajouri and Poonch.
The Cocoon Artistry Initiative was established to address these challenges and to revive Jammu and Kashmir’s historic reputation for producing some of the finest silk in the world. “By reconnecting with our sericulture roots, this initiative not only preserves a legacy but also introduces economic opportunities back to the region,” said Dr. Bukhari. The initiative supports economic empowerment for farmers and artisans by providing them with consistent income and the resources to build sustainable livelihoods.
Dr. Bukhari’s Cocoon Artistry Initiative has garnered significant recognition. The initiative’s first major showcase took place at the “Sangam-2023” Youth Festival at Bhaderwah Campus, organized jointly with the Indian Army, where dignitaries praised its potential. Following this, Cocoon Artistry products gained international exposure at the International Crude Oil Association Conference in Chennai.
The initiative’s support for the Election Commission of India’s SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) campaign further enhanced its visibility. Cocoon Artistry pieces, displayed on the Election Commission’s social media, helped amplify the importance of voter participation.
The initiative’s impact on youth and women empowerment also received high praise during the “GOONJ” fair held at the University of Jammu, where the then Advisor to the Hon’ble LG commended its role in fostering self-reliance and skill-building among women in the region.
The Cocoon Artistry Initiative’s collaboration with the Indian Army has made a lasting impact. “Through skill development workshops conducted across Poonch and Rajouri, this partnership aims to re-engage disheartened farmers while attracting a new generation to sericulture. These workshops provide critical hands-on training and resources, building a pathway for young people to master cocoon artistry and enter the sericulture industry,” said Dr Bukhari adding further that by focusing on skill development, these initiatives enable communities to harness the economic potential of sericulture, paving the way for sustainable economic empowerment.
Envisioning a nationwide revival of sericulture, Dr. Bukhari aims to expand the Cocoon Artistry Initiative from Poonch to Kanyakumari, resonating with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of an “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) and “Nari Shakti” (Women Empowerment). “The initiative intends to turn sericulture into a sustainable industry across India, providing marginalized communities with economic independence and bridging traditional artistry with modern livelihood strategies,” She added
“Youth empowerment is central to the Cocoon Artistry Initiative. Through workshops, skill programs, and hands-on training, the project encourages young people to embrace sericulture as a promising career path. This initiative offers a practical way forward for those seeking economic independence in rural and semi-urban areas, creating a pathway to both personal growth and community development,” She said adding further that by involving youth in the preservation of cocoon artistry, the initiative ensures that this cultural heritage will thrive for future generations.
Dr. Rubia Bukhari’s Cocoon Artistry Initiative stands as a beacon of hope for the sericulture industry in Jammu and Kashmir, preserving tradition while creating a sustainable, economically viable future.TDD