IMPHAL, March 24 � The State government today launched two sericulture schemes for Manipur to facilitate production of mulberry raw silk and eri spun silk here.
The schemes, launched by Union Textiles Minister Santosh Gangwar, are related to Phase-II of Sericulture Project for Valley Districts of Manipur; and Integrated Sericulture Development Project for Hill Districts of Manipur.
The Textiles Ministry has approved Phase-II of Manipur Sericulture Project under the North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS). The project has been approved for implementation of mulberry sericulture development programmes over a period of three years from 2014-15 to 2016-17 at cost of Rs 149.76 crore, of which the ministry�s share is Rs 126.60 crore.
The Central share of Rs 30.08 crore meant for 2014-15 has already been released to the State.
The project is expected to yield 638 MT of mulberry raw silk with a value of Rs 159.38 crore during the project period. After attaining full potential, the project will facilitate production of 203 MT of mulberry raw silk/year with a value of Rs 50.62 crore at current prices.
Beneficiaries will be supported for raising plantation, rearing houses, farming and rearing appliances, training, etc., which will enable them to earn an average income of Rs 45,000 per acre/year/farmer from the sale of mulberry cocoons, and Rs 36,000 per acre/year/farmer from eri culture activity.
Besides, the Textiles Minister also laid the foundation stone for an Apparel & Garment Making Centre here today. The centre shall come up at Lamboi Khongnangkhong, Imphal West.
Each such centre set up under the initiative is estimated to generate direct employment for 1,200 people.
The centre is being set up as part of an initiative announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Nagaland on December 1, 2014. The Prime Minister had announced such a centre shall be constructed in all North Eastern States.
Gangwar said the project will be a beginning in direction of setting up of organized textile industry in the North East.
Each State will have one centre with three units, having 100 machines. For local entrepreneurs with requisite background, required facilities to start a unit will be provided in �plug and play� mode.
The project will be fully funded by Textiles Ministry. The estimated expense is Rs 18.18 crore for each State. The Central assistance will be towards construction of physical infrastructure and purchase of machinery, etc., for the next three years.
Besides, the Textiles Minister and Chief Minister of Manipur O Ibobi Singh laid the foundation stone for a Power Loom Estate here today. The Comprehensive Power loom Development Project is being set up by Manipur government under the NERTPS.
Gangwar said the power loom estate is being started to cater to the needs of weavers and entrepreneurs of Manipur.
Each work-shed shall consist of multiple semi-automatic power loom machines with requisite accessories. The Centre will provide all technical assistance and advice to 41 identified weavers/entrepreneurs, on a continuous basis.
The Manipur government has identified 45 acres near the Trade & Permanent Exhibition Centre at Lamboi Khongnangkhong, at a distance of 2 km from the capital city, for setting up the power loom development project. � PTI
