Silk development project to generate employment

Gangtok, Oct 16 (UNI) To develop silk and generate employment opportunities, particularly for the women of weakers sections, the Sikkim government has launched a mulbery Cluster Development Project (CDP) in the state.

State Chief Secretary N D Chingappa launched the three-year CDP for development of Mulberry, Muga and Eri silk here in the presence of the Central Silk Board (CSB) CEO H Basker.

The project was formulated by CSB in association with the state directorate of sericulture, sources said.

The Rs 427.93 lakh project was launched in Meyong, Chinthang and Berfork area in the state's West District. The CSB would provide Rs 213.84 lakh, sericulture department Rs 22.22 lakh and the rest of the project cost would be borne by the state, sources said.

The silk would be cultivated across 350 acres of land-- Mulberry 200 acres, Eri 100 acres and Muga silk in 50 acres of land during the three year project and is targetted to provide employment to 4500 people every year.

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