Dehradun: Chief Minister Mr. Trivendra Singh Rawat launched the Oak Tasar Development Project (T.S.P) at Kisan Bhawan on Ring Road. This project is being done with the support of the Central Silk Board, Textile Ministry, under CSS. On this occasion, besides announcing a grant of Rs 1 crore from the State Government for the supply of silkworms, the Chief Minister also said that land would be provided for the Oak Research Center. Like Himchal Pradesh, Uttarakhand has also announced for the arrangement of funds for farmers for the silkworms. Chief Minister also released the Silk Department’s Book and Folder and also saw the stalls.
Chief Minister said that the Oak Tasar Development Project will provide a new dimension to the employment of the farmers associated with silk industry. Increasing the production of silk in the state can lead to additional income generation for the farmers. In Uttarakhand, oak gets naturally produced in excessive quantity. Oak is very suitable for developing the source of water and environment. It is beneficial to plant Manipuri Oak in Uttarakhand. The growth of this Oak is also good and its leaves are soft. He said that silk production has decreased in plains and there is need for more efforts to increase the production of silk. In the mountainous areas, adequate agricultural land is available and farmers can cultivate silk by raising oak and mulberry plants there and can increase their income. Farmers and silk department will have to make efforts to increase the production of oak and mulberry.
Minister of State for Textiles Mr. Ajay Tamta said that this ambitious project will increase silk production in the state. The production of silk in the country is about 33 thousand metric tonnes. The production of mulberry silk in Uttarakhand is now 33 metric tonnes and target to make it 55 metric tonnes has been set. India exports 18 to 22 percent of silk in the field of textile sector. Continuous efforts are being made to increase silk production in the country. For rejuvenation of Kosi, plantation of oak will be done on 500 hectare forest panchayat land. Manipuri oak will be planted more. This will increase the area of oak and natural water will also be available. Farmers can earn good income from silk farming. Farmers will be trained for silk production.
Minister of Agriculture and Horticuklture, Mr. Subodh Uniyal said that it is essential to increase employment opportunities to prevent migration from hill areas. We can move forward by developing new clusters in the field of silk. Uttarakhand is an important state with strategic vision. Oak Tasar Development Project will help increasing the employment opportunities which will help in preventing people from migrating from border areas. On this occasion, MP Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah, President of Central Silk Board Mr. K.M.Hanumantharayappa, Additional Secretary Horticulture Dr. Meharban Singh Bisht, Director Horticulture Mr. Anand Kumar Yadav etc were present.
