Srinagar, Sep 13 (KNO): Dr. Rubia Bukhari (32), a distinguished Sericulturist from the border town of Poonch and Founder of the Dr. Rubia Bukhari Cocoon Artistry Initiative in Sericulture has emerged as a trailblazer in blending tradition with innovation.
Residing in Surhotti, Ari, Bukhari has dedicated herself to a noble mission preserving local culture, preventing rural migration and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through her pioneering Cocoon Art and Craft Initiative.
Her brainchild transforms discarded cocoon shells into exquisite art pieces, offering farmers a sustainable source of income and providing women with a platform for empowerment.
Rooted in self-belief and perseverance, her initiative reflects a deep commitment to the Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), while also promoting Nari Shakti (Women’s Empowerment), Vocal for Local and Make in India movements.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Dr. Rubia’s academic excellence culminated in a Ph.D. in 2019 from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu). Her doctoral research, titled “Genetic Diversity Analysis of Indigenous Silkworm Breeds (Bombyx mori L.) using Morphological and Molecular Markers”, under the guidance of Prof. Dr. R. K. Bali, showcased her expertise in silkworm biotechnology, gene manipulation, gene expression and breeding.
With a research portfolio of over 55 publications in reputed journals and seven authored books, she has received numerous accolades, including the Young Scientist Award, Best Thesis Award, Women Researcher Award, Young Emerging Lecturer Award, Best Faculty Award (2023) and Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2025).
She formerly served as a Lecturer, In-charge of the PG Department of Sericulture and Campus Officer at Poonch Campus, University of Jammu where she played a pivotal role in academic development, promotional activities and community outreach. She also coordinated awareness initiatives on sericulture in the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
Witnessing farmers abandon sericulture due to declining market prices and cocoon rejection, Dr. Rubia devised a creative and sustainable solution. As the Founder of the Cocoon Artistry Initiative in Sericulture she not only revived this age-old tradition but also addressed environmental concerns by promoting eco-friendly alternatives to plastic decorations such as cocoon-based bouquets and handicrafts.
Through various training camps, village programs, school workshops and campus seminars, she empowers women and inspires youth to view sericulture as a viable and creative livelihood option. Her vision is to expand this initiative from Poonch to Kanyakumari, weaving economic independence with cultural heritage across India.
With Jammu and Kashmir recognized as a traditional hub of silk production - supporting nearly 60% of its rural population Dr. Rubia envisions the region as a leading supplier of raw silk for domestic and international markets. She draws a parallel between her work and the success of the Purple Revolution in lavender farming, envisioning Cocoon Craft as a potential White Revolution poised to transform rural economies.
She also emphasizes the importance of farmer awareness and education, advocating the adoption of modern sericulture techniques and promoting access to financial support through NABARD loans and subsidies.
A Legacy of Inspiration coming from a family deeply rooted in sericulture, Dr. Rubia is carrying forward a rich tradition with a modern and innovative approach. Her journey embodies resilience, creativity and a vision for social transformation.
“I chose sericulture as my career path because of its potential to create meaningful employment, reduce poverty and prevent migration from rural areas. With a rich history in J&K, sericulture is not just an economic activity it’s a cultural heritage that deserves revival,” she said.
Today, Dr. Rubia Bukhari stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs, researchers and artisans. As the Founder of the Dr. Rubia Bukhari Cocoon Artistry Initiative in Sericulture her transformative work reflects her unwavering dedication to sustainability, women’s empowerment and national self-reliance. From the borderlands of Poonch, her message resonates across the nation, proving that one’s roots can indeed become the foundation for far-reaching impact—(KNO)