NORTH LAKHIMPUR, Nov 4 - The proposed date for observing State Muga Day on November 16 has been opposed by the original promoters of the event in Lakhimpur district.
The Muga Day was first observed in Batomari, Dhakuakhana in Lakhimpur district on May 19, 2012. The event was organised by Wild Silk North East, an NGO engaged in promotion of Muga rearing and production in the State Government.
The first Muga Day was a joint initiative of the Lakhimpur district administration and the Wild Silk North East with huge participation from the people. The commissioner, secretary, director and OSD of State Sericulture Department, scientists from Central Silk Board, professors from Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, and officials from Sericulture Department of Lakhimpur district and other administrative officials also participated in the event.
On that occasion, the Wild Silk North East asked the State Government to declare May 19 as the National Muga Day, a function which has been organised by the NGO locally since 2009.
The Muga Day was again observed on May 19, 2013 at Dhakuakhana with same State participation and collaboration. The Government agreed to the demand by Wild Silk North East in 2014 and observed the Muga Day officially for the first time on October 30, 2014 in Guwahati.
However, the date of the function was opposed by its original promoters as the month of May, which falls on the Assamese month of Jeth is very conducive for Muga rearing. Similarly, for the two strong variants of Muga silk worms � Aeherua (reared in the month of Ahaar, June-July) and Bhadiya (reared in the month of Bhada, August-September), mid-May is the perfect time for the first one.
For that the Wild Silk North East had adopted a resolution demanding the State Government to declare May 19 as the Muga Day during the function held in 2012.
This time the State Government again changed the date and declared November 16 to be observed as State Muga Day, said Jitul Saikia, secretary general of the NGO.
