Silk worms hold huge promise in empowering Kashmiri farmers, with only three packets of seeds enabling a farmer to derive a maund of silk. It all starts with the eggs from silk worms collected by the Sericulture Department of Pakistan administered Kashmir. Once these seeds or eggs are sold to farmers, it takes 45 days before the worm starts spinning a cocoon of silk around it. These are woven and used to make beautiful silk garments.
Dating back to 140 B.C., the story of silk began in Tibet, traveled through Iran, and eventually reached the subcontinent where the art took root in Muzaffarabad. Even today, this timeless craft thrives in the valleys of Kashmir, where skilled hands continue to raise silkworms. Fed exclusively on mulberry leaves, the silkworms spin delicate cocoons that must be removed carefully. The Sericulture Department of Kashmir has rearing halls spread across the region, sixteen nurseries in operation, and research centers in Patikka and Tarar Khul focusing on seed development and egg preservation with every stage of silk production is carefully managed.
Locally produced egg packets, cost about 400 rupees, thirty-five to forty days, transform the cocoons into shimmering silk threads ready for the market. Silk farming here is more than just an industry, it’s a legacy of self reliance and artistry. With minimal resources and great rewards, it provides a steady income to families and keeps an ancient heritage alive. If nurtured with modern support and recognition, Muzaffarabad’s silk could once again emerge as a symbol of pride weaving together the wisdom of the past with the promise of a prosperous future for generations to come.
