Centre to focus on silk sector in NE

Union minister of State for Textiles Ajay Tamta said the ministry has accorded high priority to develop the silk sector as a viable option for livelihood in the northeast. The region makes up about 21 per cent of the country’s total silk production.

Speaking at the three-day 8th international conference on wild silk, organised by the International Society for Wild Silk Moths, Japan and Central Silk Board here, Tamta said the northeast is the only region where all four varieties of silk – muga, eri, tassar and mulberry – are found.

Muga, known for its golden colour, is found only in the northeast and Assam owns the geographical indication (GI) tag for muga. “The Centre will do everything to improve silk production in the northeast so that the sector becomes a sustainable source of livelihood for people in the region,” Tamta said.

The international conference, in which representatives from about 15 countries are participating, has been organized here so that importance of silk sector in northeast is properly highlighted, he added.