Fair highlights benefits of Oak Tasar
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 19 2013 : Multiple benefits of Oak Tasar (U-yung/saie) from the tree variety part's usage in textile industry to domestic cooking source have been highlighted by experts on the occasion of a daylong 'Kisan Mela on Oak Tasar' held today at the Regional Tasar Research Station (RTRS), Imphal.

The fair organised jointly by Central Silk Board of Ministry of Textiles and Manipur State Sericulture Cooperative Federation was attended by Principal Secretary (Sericulture) O Nabakishore Singh, Director (Seri) G Gingamang Simte and Scientist-D (RTRS) Dr K Chaoba Singh and Federation chairman Th Surjaboro as the presidium members.

In his address at the fair's inauguration session, O Nabakishore conveyed that tasar silk development boards of both the state and Central Government are according top priority for the welfare of the tasar producers so as to sustain the ancient trade.

Referring to tasar silk garments put up at the fair, he said sericulture activities in Manipur and its produce are not only unique but highly acclaimed in many parts of the world.

Inauguration of the Kisan Mela and inset Theology Teinamei

Conveying that Government of Manipur is planning to provide grant to cocoon rearers, the Principal Secretary also called upon the people to protect Oak Tasar and mulberry grooves to ensure sufficient raw material.

Presenting the event's key-note address, Dr Chaoba highlighting favourable climate and soil conditions in Manipur for grooming Tasar Oak, stated that the rural population can live comfortably if they concentrate on Oak tasar plantation and cocoon rearing activities.

Informing that Central Tasar Research Station has already published a manual to assist tasar producers, he maintained that along with economic benefits generated through Oak Tasar plantations the tree varieties are helpful in maintaining ecological balance as its grooves retain water.

In developed countries Oak Tasar extracts are used in drug manufacturing units, said Dr Chaoba and informed that highly preferred food items like Uyen and Kanglayen flourish on Oak Tasar stems.

While noting that charcoal produced from Oak Tasar trees have high market value, he nevertheless reminded that grooming rather than using the tree variety for charcoal production can provide more benefits, economically as well as environmentally.

As a part of the fair, Oak Tasar grower Theology Teinamei (40) of Maram T Khullen was presented with the 'best cocoon' producer award.

Teinamei, whose annual yield (2012) was 42 kgs, reportedly adopted Oak Tasar plantation practice from his forefathers.

Inspite of bagging the award, Teinamei lamented that lack of assistance from the Government side has been compelling him to utilise his farm land for growing paddy and livestock farming as Oak Tasar plantation alone cannot ensure two square meals a day.

He also desired that department concern extend technical and financial assistance to enable him contribute towards promoting the profession.