Sundargarh district is all set to set up a modern Tasar silk park at Khuntgaon, under Lahunipara block.
This silk park is to be developed in five acres of land with total project cost of Rs 24 crore to be spent from District Mineral Foundation funds. The proposed silk park is expected to take sericulture to take the next level and achieve 'soil to silk' ecosystem, sources said.
"Apart from augmenting the production, the proposed silk park will roll out value added products and will integrate the farmers under Tasar Rearers Cooperative Society (TRCS) and other stakeholders to improve their livelihood," said Collector Nikhil Pawan Kalyan. "Moreover, the project emphasizes on branding and marketing so that we can showcase Sundargarh Tasar as a unique brand in national and international market," Kalyan added.
Sources said, about 3,000 farmers from different blocks of the district like Bonei, Koira, Lahunipara and Bargaon have been engaged in growing Tasar and cocoon.
These farmers produce about over ten lakh cocoons every year, amounting to a business of over Rs 2 crore. After opening of the park, these farmers are going to be benefited, since their produce would be used here for further value addition, added sources.
"Tasar Silk production has shown a new path of livelihood for the farmers as some progressive farmers of the district earn up to Rs 2 to Rs 3 lakh with two crops in a year," said Assistant Director from Director of Sericulture Lucia Lakra.
"Since woman farmers also take part in Tasar farming, the silk park is likely to be a boon for rural farmers, mainly women and other stakeholders." Lakra added. The park will include facilities like nursery, godown, silk center, production and other operational centers, which is likely to be functional latest by 2021.