KASUR: Several farmers from Changa Manga, who are associated with the sericulture industry, have voiced concern over the lack of a clear roadmap for industry development by the government.

The sericulture season in the area starts in January and continues until April, with over 3,000 registered and 10,000 unregistered cocoon growers linked to the cottage industry in the region.

Changa Manga, located around 80 kilometres southwest of Lahore, serves as a central hub for the silk industry.

Farmers Faizan Ahmed and Jahangir Iqbal highlighted that the silk industry is currently working under the forest department, but there is a pressing need to establish an independent department to support and promote the industry. They emphasized that the forest department is lacking in both funds and manpower, while the silk industry requires proper care and support to achieve its potential growth.

Rana Saeed Ahmed, the President of the All Punjab Silk Farmers and Traders Association, has demanded that the government provide training to farmers and ensure quality marketing support.

He further emphasised the importance of IT intervention, stating that the use of the latest technology in silk worm rearing could be crucial to the revival and growth of the industry.

He also called for a review of the policy of growing mulberry trees for their leaves (used to feed silk worms) within the forest and proposed that such plantations be established in public areas and green belts outside the forest.

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2023