Tumitla plants discovered in abundance
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 13 2012:
Tumitla (Litsea Polyantha) plants which is a favourite food for a silkworm species which produces the finest variety of silk have been discovered growing in abundance in the hills areas of the State during a study conducted by the Central Silk Board.
Talking to The Sangai Express, Horticulture Principal Secretary O Nabakishore informed that subsequent upon the discovery, Central Silk Board and Sericulture Department are planning to promote large scale rearing of muga worm (Anthera Assamenis) which relish on Tumitla plants so that farmers can earn a decent income.
Except for the North Eastern States, muga worms are not found in any other States of India.
Rearing muga worms on Tumitla plants, the costliest variety of silk, also known as Golden Silk is being produced in Assam.
Muga worms have been found in the wilds of Manipur too.
In the meantime, productivity of muga worms have declined considerably in Assam due to climate change, said Nabakishore.
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As Tumitla plants are already growing in abundance in Manipur, it would not be difficult to import muga worms and rear them in the State.
Due procedures would be initiated soon so that silkworm rearing clusters of Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Churachandpur districts can rear muga worms profitably, informed Nabakishore.
Whereas tasar silk, mulberry silk and Eri silk being produced in the State are sold Rs 2500 per Kg, one Kg of Golden Silk costs as much as Rs 6000.The Principal Secretary said that 500 numbers of muga worms make 25,000 to 30,000 cocoons in 25 days.
One cocoon is priced at Rs 1.50.On being enquired about markets, he said, "There would be no problem for markets.
There would be ample opportunity to sell whatever quantity of silk produced by our farmers." The State Government is also planning to purchase silk products from the farmers directly.
Talking about Manipur Sericulture Project, he said that Sericulture Minister K Govindas and himself would talk with DG Nahakara of Japan International Cooperation Agency at Tokyo on June 22 about Manipur Sericulture Project phase II .