Scheme2

Skill building in silk industry

Facts:

1] India alone has the widest� range of silk spinning MOTHS. Their population is dwindling. These are :

• i) mulberry moths:�� all over the country, domesticated, rearing in egg-production- centers possible
• ii) tussar moths MP, Maharashtra, Orissa, Bihar.
• iii) eri moths Bihar, Orissa (weaving also in West Bengal) Potential in Andhra. Maharashtra and MP
• iv) Mooga moth in Assam and north east.

2]� Heavy plantation of Arjun, Sal, Eri, and Hirda and Somsal (for mooga) in wasteland zones can be undertaken through SHGs. These women can also be trained in reeling, and weaving. Silk board has these activities but has not yet channelised them through SHGs.

3] Yeola in Nashik district of Maharashtra has emerged in last 5 years as a major center of post-reeling activities, employing more than 5000 people. This can be repeated elsewhere.

4] Silk exchange of Banglore� and the Tussar activity of Vidarbha Development Corporation (now dying due to faulty policy of Govt. of Maharashtra) are examples of good practices, their achievements can be highlighted and followed elsewhere.