Increased silk production in Mizoram

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Aizawl, Nov 8 (UNI) Recognising the potential of sericulture as a replacement of the devastating Jhum cultivation in Mizoram, the state government has increased its silk and cocoon production by systematically developing sericulture across the region.

Department officials said here today during the current year the state government has focussed on methodical development of sericulture in the region. Production of cocoon and raw silk has also shown a commendable increase.

The boom in sericulture farming is clearly indicated by the fact that more than 3000 families have planted mulberry cuttings against the target of 500 families, they pointed out adding more than two lakh silkworm seeds, 45 metric tonnes cocoon and four metric tonne of raw silk were produced during 2006.

More than 500 acres of land had been brought under sericulture farming and 20 lakh mulberry cuttings were distributed to the farmers in the state. To ensure high quality yield, 550 farmers were given training in sericulture farming, they pointed out.

The special SGSY mulberry development scheme, implemented in the three autonomous district councils, have shown encouraging results and about 400 kgs of cocoon had been produced from trial rearing at Lawngtlai district.

''We will also promote mulberry sericulture by providing assistance in form of rearing appliances, land development, supplying CGI sheets under Bamboo Flowering and Famine Combat Scheme (BAFFACOS), they added.

The department has proposed to produce 2.70 Lakhs silkworm seeds, 20 metric tonne dry cocoon and two metric of raw silk.