Core Insights - Azerbaijan's silk industry is experiencing a revival after years of decline, driven by the introduction of Chinese mulberry seedlings and silkworm breeds as part of a national strategy to diversify agricultural production [2][3][4] Group 1: Historical Context - Azerbaijan has a 1500-year history of sericulture, with peak production in the 1960s and 70s, exporting to countries like Japan, Switzerland, and Italy [2] - The collapse of the Soviet Union led to a significant decline in the silk industry, with production dropping from 6000 tons in 1986 to just 236 kilograms in 2015 [2] Group 2: Revival Efforts - In 2016, Azerbaijan initiated a "seed introduction project" to revive the silk industry, collaborating with Shandong Guangtong Sericulture Development Co., Ltd. from China [3] - The introduction of high-quality mulberry seedlings and silkworm breeds from China has been well-received by local farmers, with the new mulberry varieties adapting well to the local climate [3][4] Group 3: Technological Advancements - The Gakh Sericulture Station, the only institution in Azerbaijan dedicated to silkworm breeding, underwent significant renovations in 2018 with Chinese technical support [3] - The station began hybrid silkworm breeding in 2019, resulting in improved disease resistance and higher quality and yield of silk cocoons [4] Group 4: Current Production and Impact - Local farmers have reported increased benefits from sericulture, with annual cocoon production now exceeding 600 tons [5] - The revival of the silk industry is seen as a crucial step in restoring Azerbaijan's agricultural heritage and economic diversity [3][5]