IMPHAL, June 9: Inspite of being one of the silk producing States, with the ability to produce all four types of silks, Manipur is unable to supply any kind of silk outside the State, said Sericulture, Commerce & Indstries minister Govindas Konthoujam today.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the closing function of the 10-day long Post Cocoon Technology and Cocoon Crafts training program organised by the Eramdam Cocoon production Centre.
The program was held at the centre’s office at Khurai Chingangbam Leikai.
The Geographic Information System, GIS will be launched in the State this year in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre, said the minister who also holds the Veterinary & Animal Husbandry portfolio.
The launched of GIS will help in understanding what is happening in the fields (geographical space) and help in visualizing, analysing and interpreting the actions in the fields, he said before adding as such employees cannot neglect their work.
GIS will help gain a clear cut monitoring of the fields without field visits, the minister added.
The introduction of GIS in the State will further aid in increasing silk production and help in supplying silk to outside the State, Govindas said.
In order to meet the country’s silk demand, a total of 13000 megaton silk are being imported from China and while, Jharkhand will be supplying another 8000 megaton soon, he said before adding that Manipur with all the potential is unable to supply any.
Govindas Konthoujam identified the suitable districts in the State for silk production as Imphal West, Imphal East and Ukhrul districts.
He continued that the Manipur Sericulture Project Phase II, under the North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme amounting to Rs 400 crore for the promotion of Sericulture is in the pipeline.
He continued that some funds will be provided to the Eramdam Cocoon Production Centre under the Catalytic Directive Program, 2013-14.
He further lauded the initiative taken up by entrepreneurs in establishing small scale industries which will generate employment.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/govindas-laments-states-failure-in-silk-production/