Odisha Govt to establish a Sericulture R&D Institute

Targeting a production of about 500 tons of silk by 2020, the Odisha Government today said it would set up a research and development centre for speedy growth of the sector.

"Sericulture has a vast potential in the state. It should be utilised to provide livelihood to tribals and backward caste people... the government would set up State Sericulture Research and Development Institute for proper management and growth of the sector," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said at a workshop on sericulture management in Bhubaneswar.

Though present growth rate of silk industry in India is about eight per cent, demand for the fabric is growing at 10 per cent, Handloom and Handicraft Minister Anjali Behera said.

While 10,000 weavers in the state need 500 tons of silk, Odisha produces only 81 tons. "The need is to strengthen the sector to fill the gap," the minister said.