IMPHAL, Oct 9 - Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani today opened a three-day silk expo-cum-workshop at the Sangaipat project management complex of the Manipur Sericulture Project here. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Textiles, Commerce and Industries Minister Th Biswajit Singh and officials of the Textiles Ministry and the State Government attended the function.
Speaking on the occasion, Textiles Minister Irani informed that the Government had approved of setting up an eri spinning mill worth Rs 22 crore for the expansion of the silk industry in the State. The Union minister said that she was informed by the minister concerned that the Government of Manipur would lay the foundation stone of the project after one month.
Assuring the Centre�s sustained support for the growth of the textile industry and prosperity of weavers and farmers of the State, Irani said that Silk Samagra is an initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure exponential growth in the silk sector. It is an endeavour not only to enhance the income of farmers and weavers but also to ensure achievement of the number one position in silk production and cultivation in the world. India is now in the second position, she added.
The Chief Minister said the people of the State have talent, but they lack opportunities and support. But things have changed now with the creation of more avenues and opening of many platforms including startup programmes, he added.
The expo-cum-workshop is being jointly organised by the Central Silk Board and the State Sericulture Department. The Union minister also distributed funds to 322 beneficiaries of the Integrated Sericulture Development Project, apart from releasing a booklet on the Silk Samagra Workshop.
Silk products, machines and looms are on display and sale in the expo. Farmers, weavers, designers, silk promoters, scientists, machine manufacturers and officials of the Central Silk Board are attending the silk expo-cum-workshop.
