A Capacity Building Training (CBT) programme titled ‘Silk Weaving Techniques on Handloom’ was started on July 25 by Silk Technical Service Centre, CSTRI, Central Silk Board, Jammu with the coordination of Handloom Development Department, Leh. 

The 10 days training program for 20 weavers was inaugurated by chief guest Director, Handloom Department, Mohammad Nazir Sheikh (JKAS) along with dignitaries at Handloom Campus, Leh. 

Scientist-D and Coordinator of the training program, N. S. Gahlot briefed the attendees about the objective of the training program which is to introduce silk production activities in handloom sector and linkage of weavers of Ladakh for benefits of subsidy scheme (Silk Samagra-II). 

He ensured technical support, training to produce value-added silk/pashmina products and improve the quality and design of existing pashmina products. He suggested for up-gradation of existing low productive handlooms for enhancing production, quality and reduction of drudgery in favor of weavers/artisans. He suggested establishing a Common Facility Center (CFC) in Leh and Kargil districts for entrepreneurs and local stakeholder, weavers associated with the handloom sector, so that finished products can be prepared in UT Ladakh.

During the training program from July 25 to August 3, skills/capacity of 20 weavers will be improved. This will include development of silk/pashmina samples, reducing fabric defects, improvement of fabric quality, training course kit and an exposure field visit will be arranged for all the 20 trainees. 

After successful training, certificates will be issued to all trainees by the Director, Central Silk Technological Research Institute (CSTRI), Central Silk Board, Bangalore.

The latest technologies/machines developed by scientists of CSTRI, Bangalore will be implemented by STSC Jammu in coordination with the Handloom Department of Leh. 

Director, Handloom Department, Mohammad Nazir Sheikh (JKAS) interacted with all the weaver trainees and told them that it is a good initiative of the Central Silk Board for the development of silk and its blend products in UT of Ladakh. 

He added that it is a great opportunity to learn new things  from CSTRI and Central Silk Board officers.

He further expressed that product diversification can also be attained by the help of the on-going training programme and the  product diversification will increase the sale demand of products having Leh, Ladakh origin with GI tagging. . 

Assistant Director, Handloom Department, Imtisaal Rasool, (KAS); Assistant Director, Handicraft, Anjil Singh (KAS);  Senior Technical Assistant, Silk Technical Service Centre, Jammu,Bharat Bhushan; Senior commercial officer, NHDC, Srinagar, Balendra Sachan;  Technical Superintendent Weaving, Weavers Service Centre, Srinagar, Waseem Ahmad; M/s Charka Ladakh Weaving Society, Phyang, Leh; Achi SHG Phyang; M/s Chuchot Yokma Five Star; M/s Khullu the Yak Wool and other stakeholders and government officials were present in training inaugural program.