Guwahati is set to host the eight edition of International Conference on Wild Silk Moths. The three-day programme will be held from January 22. Scientists, delegates from 13 countries will come together to discuss strategies and share knowledge on improving wild silk production and quality globally.
Ranjit Ranjan Okhandlar, Member Secretary of Silk Board of India speaking to the media said , “This is the second time India is hosting this meet. We have chosen Guwahati as the venue as North East is the hub of wild silk moth in the country.” He said 300 delegates would participate in the meet and 170 research papers had been submitted, out of which 70 papers would be presented in the meet by the researchers. He also hoped that the conference would provide a good opportunity to all stakeholders to interact and abreast themselves with the latest research and development, machineries, equipment, etc.
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The Conference has been organized by the Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and International Society for Wild Silk Moths, Japan. A silk product exhibition is being organized along with the conference where producers from across the country will showcase their wares.
On the prospect of silk production in the Northeast region, the Member Secretary said various schemes are being implemented, which accounts for 21 percent of silk produced in the country. He mentioned the North Eastern Region Promotion Scheme, under which Rs 890 crore is allocated to support State Sericulture Departments through subsidies, R and D, encouraging industries. The scheme, which started from 2014 will continue till 2019, has targeted to reach 50,000 beneficiaries and 25,000 acres of land.