MP to produce Golden Yellow silk

Pachmarhi, MP, July 2 (UNI) A strong possibility for production of 'golden yellow' silk exists in Madhya Pradesh's Pachmarhi and this hill station is likely to become second production centre of the fabric in the world after Assam where it is cultivated in small quantity.

Pachmari-based Silk Seed Firm, which is spread over an expanse of 46 acre, is preparing a nursery of around 5,000 'Som' plants -- brought from Assam for the purpose -- at its green house.

The firm's field officer Pramod Pathak said germination of the 'Som' plant had begun and the process would be completed within six months.

''Attempts to produce the silk variety has failed in various countries. However, a strong probability to produce 'golden yellow' silk existed in Pachmarhi due to favourable atmosphere and soil,'' he said.

So far, the centre was producing 'mulberry', 'eri' and 'tasar' silk seeds. The cultivation of 'golden yellow' silk started due to Hoshangabad district officer Rakesh Kumar Srivastava's initiative.

Mr Pathak said after two years when the 'Som' plant was developed, 'muga' silk worm would be procured from Assam for developing the silk variety. A 'muga' breeding centre would be developed here like mulberry breeding centre here.

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