The Sukinda Chromite Mine (SCM) of the Tata Steel in Jajpur district has decided to take steps to conserve the indigenous silkworm breed Sukinda Ecorace.
Notably, hundreds of farmers depend on tasar farming of Sukinda Ecorace for their livelihood. While experts of Pilot Project Centre (PPC), Sukinda under the Directorate of Textile and the Regional Extension Centre of Central Silk Board (CSB), Baripada have started working on conservation of the specie, the SCM has come forward to join hands with them to contribute its bit to save this superior indigenous breed and promote biodiversity.
The SCM observed of the International Day of Biological Diversity here on Monday with around 100 tasar farmers of Sukinda and Bamnipal area attending the event.
Appreciating the SCM for the initiative, CSB scientist Dr Prashant Kar said conservation of the indigenous variety of silkworm is highly essential to preserve the biodiversity and increase tasar productivity. Sericulture Assistant Director Ajay Patra said it is matter of concern for everyone as the population of the Sukinda Ecorace has gone down drastically which calls for serious efforts to help conserve the specie.
Elaborating SCM’s commitment to the National Biodiversity Target, Tata Steel General Manager (Operations, Ferro Alloys and Minerals Division) Pankaj Satija said, “We have been creating awareness on biodiversity by regularly organising various programmes and will continue to collaborate with local Government agencies for protection and promotion of Sukinda Ecorace to help local farmers and contribute to biological diversity of the region”.