In what could be called a big turning point for silk growing in State, State sericulture department, which succeeded in growing world famous Muga silk in State, is all set to supply seeds to Assam from where it imported antheraea assamensis some months ago. Come July, the department will supply muga silk seed to Assam.
Existing climatic condition of the state helped the department in its efforts to grow Muga silk. Silk experts exploited extensive availability of litesea monopetala and perecia bombycina, the plants on which silkworms feed, in enhancing production of the silk.
The experts observe that production of muga silk will give a boost to rural economy. They also claim that, in near future, the state would be growing muga silk in tones due to congenial climatic conditions that makes the state a suitable place for muga silk production.
Director Sudhir Mohan Sharma said, “In the beginning, around 300 seeds were imported from Assam. From these, the department will produce around 4,000 seeds. Muga silk growing process is already in progress. No soon does it get ready, the seeds will be sent to Assam.”
Department will also collect seeds from 50 silk growers involved in muga silk production in Bageshwar. In the meantime, department has asked Assam to send its requirement.
Around 3,000 disease free laying (DFl), the seed, will be ready by mid of July. Sharma further added that initially, the department decided to ensure supply of 3,000 DFls, but if Assam would ask for more, the department would try to fulfill its requirement.