Sericulture promotion taken up to meet export needs

Kakinada: The newfound overseas market for silk fabrics has come like a big boost for Andhra Pradesh Sericulture Department to take up the activity in a big way in East Godavari. Under this programme, the department has sought the services of women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in upland area as the sandy soil in these areas suits to the activity.

The authorities are hopeful that this promotion will be beneficial in two ways - in the form of additional foreign exchange earnings and in the form of income generation activity towards women empowerment. As part of this, a training programme is being conducted for these groups on rearing of silk worms in addition to taking mulberry plantation.

The activity can be taken up for 10 months in a year with crop duration of two moths as the weather conditions in April and May are unsuitable for rearing silk worms. With bank loan facility and subsidy for the activity available, the women groups are expected to gain maximum benefits.

East Godavari Sericulture Department deputy director B V V Anand has said that with the ongoing activity by farmers in 10 upland and three agency mandals, the women groups are expected to improve the earnings. “Though China is the top producer of silk cocoons, we have also entered into global market as there is sufficient demand for this product,” Anand said.