Imphal, February 23, 2010: Stating that poverty is the root cause of many ills besetting Manipur, Sericulture Minister L Jayantakumar has called upon the people to accelerate sericulture development in the State in order to address the problem of poverty.

Speaking at the inaugural function of the Oak Tasar Krishi Mela organised jointly by Regional Tasar Research Station (Central Silk Board) and Manipur State Sericulture Co-operative Federation at Regional Tasar Research Station here today, Jayantakumar said that poverty bred many misunderstandings amongst the people resulting in various social problems.

To remove these problems, it needs eradication of poverty and in this sericulture has a great role to play, he asserted.

Unlike other States of India, Manipur has no industry worth its name.

Though, apparently Manipur is a poor State, it is one of the richest State in terms of human resources.

But the people of Manipur talented in myriad fields have been sleeping all along.

They need to be awakened, Jayantakumar stated.

Manipur has the potential to produce highest quantity of silk produce but for lack of awareness among the people, the State is unable to tap this immense potential.

Large scale felling oak trees for making charcoal is producing an adverse impact of silk productivity of the State.

To develop sericulture in Manipur and realise its full potential, it demands large scale plantation of oak trees, Jayantakumar asserted.

The opening function was attended Technical Director of Central silk Board Dr B Saratchandra as president, Sericulture Director K Thaibema and ex-Minister Dr M Nara as guests of honour.

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