Sericulture officials with Seri farmers during cocoon mela at Sericulture Farm, Tsiesema in Kohima district on June 12. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Tsiesema | June 12
Bringing cheers to Eri farmers in Nagaland, the State’s department of Sericulture today launched cocoon mela for Seri farmers at the Sericulture farm here to propagate the need for enhancing cocoon production as well as to facilitate the Seri farmers to take up the same on commercial scale. Similar mela will also be conducted across the state at the block and the district level, said deputy director Asangla while addressing the Seri farmers here this morning.
Referring to marketing, she told the Eri farmers that they should not worry about it as the department will directly come and buy their products at their doorsteps. Also assuring to assist Seri farmers through technology and other means, she called upon them to work hard to meet the desired level of the production, which in return would boost their economy.
Sericulture officer Mathung Kikon in his speech told the gathering that the State’s requirement of silk worm seed comes to the tune of 50 lakh. He however stated that presently the state is generating below 20 lakhs silk worm seed of which the shortfall 30 lakh is being brought to the state from outside. Stating that lots of money has been spending on this, he encouraged the Eri farmers to come forward and take up sericulture activities on larger scale and gain maximum from it.
Encouraging the farmers to take up nursery as income source, Kikon also called upon them to take up spinning and weaving units under the banner of Self Help Groups (SHGs), while assuring that the department is always ready to provide machine provided they are sincere and committed take up such units. Also asking the SHGs to adopt a comprehensive strategy to prosper, he also asserted that it should be of result oriented one so that the goal of the department is translated into a reality. He said that the department has already set up a Cocoon Bank in Dimapur in which Seri farmers can now access the same for marketing purpose.
He also stated that the department has mulled for setting up such facility in all the districts.
Stating that the department many schemes for farmers, Kikon called upon the farmers to come forward and avail the same. He also sought active cooperation from the farmers in ensuring successful implementation of the various schemes being offered by the department.
Sericulture officer Vikhehelie Pienyii also talked on the commercial value and potentiality of the sericulture activities in the state and called upon the farmers to respond to the enormous scope and schemes available with the department and gain maximum benefit from there.
Earlier, Vilhousenuo Khro, EO, farm in-charge chaired the function while vote of thanks was proposed by M. Meyase, ASO, District Sericulture Office, Kohima. Around 50 seri farmers from Chiephobozou block, representing Zhadima, Tsiesema, Gariphema and Nachama attended the programme.
