Sundargarh: In order to achieve ‘soil to silk’ ecosystem, the district administration plans to build a modern ‘Tasar Silk Park’ at Khuntgaon under Lahunipara block.
The silk park to be built on 5 acre of land with a budget support of over Rs 24 crore from District Mineral Foundation (DMF) is targeted to be operationalised by 2021. It will have facilities like nursery, godown, skill centre, design and production centre and other support systems
“Apart from augmenting production, the silk park will roll out value added products. It will integrate the farmers under Tasar Rearers Cooperative Society (TRCS) and other stakeholders to improve their livelihood. Moreover, the project emphasises on branding and marketing so that we can showcase Sundargarh Tasar as a unique brand in the national and international market,” said district collector Nikhil Pavan Kalyan.
More than 3000 farmers in Bonai, Koira, Lahunipara, Bisra and Bargaon blocks grow Tasar and sell cocoons to the TRCS. They produce over 10 lakh cocoons generating a business of over Rs 2 crore every year.
SERIFED, the apex body of the TRCSs, buys the cocoons and sells those in the open market. In the silk park, reeling and weaving activities along with value added production will upscale the process.
“Tasar silk production has emerged as a source of livelihood for the farmers in the district. Some of them earn Rs 3 to 4 lakhs a year. Women farmers are also encouraged to be a part of the cultivation and allied activities. Thus, the Silk Park will be highly beneficial to the farmers, rural women and other stakeholders,” said Lucia Lakra, assistant director, Sericulture, Sundargarh.
The value-added products of Khuntgaon Tasar Silk Park, Sundargarh will be made available online. The administration also plans to showcase the products for the customers through Boyanika across its outlets in Odisha and outside.
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