Govindas proposes Seri projects in hills
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 18 2013 : Conceding that the first phase sericulture project undertaken in the State has failed miserably, Sericul-ture Minister Govindas kon- thoujam mooted that hill dis-tricts would be more suited if similar projects are implemen-ted.

Inspite of the set-back there is still hope for reviving the sericulture project in Ma-nipur as the Central Govt has approved proposal for enlisting mulberry plantation under the MGNREGS project, said the Minister.

Inaugurating a one-day workshop organised by the Directorate of Sericulture De-partment at Project Manage- ment Complex, Sangaipat today Minister Govindas con- firmed that failure of the first phase has resulted in Japan suspending financial assistance for the second phase sericulture project.

Accepting that until and unless Government of Japan is convinced that sericulture projects could be successfully revived in Manipur there is little hope for more funding from one of the most developed nations, he also high- lighted the success story of Jharkhand State regarding sericulture project undertaken in that State.

Compared to Jharkhand's annual yield of 70-80 metric tonne sericulture products Manipur has been struggling to produce 30 metric tonne, said the Minister informing that sericulture department officials would be delegated to Jharkhand for assessing the project model being implemented there.

He also strongly suggested that Sericulture Department officials chalk up a concrete programme to launch sericul-ture projects in the hill dis- tricts which comprise 95 percent of the State's total geographical area.

Stressing on the need for conducting awareness campaigns in all the district headquarters to ensure successful execution of future projects, Govindas reminded that above everything else work culture is the most essential component to succeed in life.

The inaugural programme of the workshop on 'Liming, inter-cropping, pests & diseases management' was also attended by Scientist-D of Regional Tasar Research Station Dr K Chaoba Singh and Sericulture Department Director H Gingamang Simte as the president and the guest of honour respectively.

under the RKVY Project seeds and chemicals were also handed over to district level officials for further distribution to the farmers.

As subject experts, Nandini Chongtham, O Arunkumar Singh, Lidia Zimic and Dr K Nimaichand Singh delivered lectures on relevant issues.

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