The Chhattisgarh government is planning to massively increase production of Kosa-Silk to provide livelihood for people residing in rural pockets of the state. Chief secretary, Vivek Dhand has written to all district collectors in this regard. A committee would be formed in every district to implement the plan, according to official sources.
The government is drawing up an elaborate five-year plan for the purpose. All district collectors have been requested to prepare a report on production prospects of Kosa and Silk in their respective regions.
Dhand said that priority should be given to plantation of Kauha (Arjun) and Saja saplings for promoting Kosa-Silk production. He said the officials must identify nurseries in advance for proposed plantations during the forthcoming monsoon season. He said Kosa-Cocoon production would be profitable when the training for threads and weaving is given at the site of Kosa production.
The Chief secretary has directed the officials to promote plantation of Kosa saplings and select location for the nurseries. Besides this, State Horticulture Department on the regular basis will host technical and training programme for the persons involved in the Kosa and Silk trade.
Dhand also directed to constitute women self help groups (SHGs) under National Rural Livelihood Mission to promote production of Kosa and Silk in the State. Chhattisgarh now has one ‘Raw Material Bank’ for Tussar silk established in Raigarh district, according to the 2013-14 annual report of the union ministry of textiles. The primary objective of the ‘Raw Material Bank’ is to ensure economic and fair price for the primary Tussar Silk growers.
In Chhattisgarh, Silk farming has become an additional source of income for the farmers of insurgency infested Bastar district, officials said.
