Golden Yellow Silk to be produced in Pachmarhi

Bhopal, Dec 14: The production of 'golden yellow' silk -- cultivated only in Asom so far -- on experimental basis will start in Madhya Pradesh's hill station Pachmarhi in August next year.

''The experimental production is being carried out under the guidance of Asom-based experts,'' said Mr Pramod Pathak of Pachmari-based State Government Silk Seed Production unit.

Around 2,000 'Som' plant seeds were brought from Asom and sown in nursery in May. The plants had grown up to two feet so far and will be planted after winter ends in February-March next year.

The plants were expected to attain a height of four feet by July-August next year. The normal height of the plant was 12-15 feet with an age of more than 25 years.

After the roots of 'Som' plants developed, its leaves would be fed to 'munga' silk worm for developing the silk variety.

There are four species of 'Munga' silk worm and 50 of two species -- both male and female -- will be brought from Asom for preparing the silk here. The silk cocoon develops in 30-35 days.

Mr Pathak said the process of production would be adapted to the environment in Pachmarhi so that the production could be accelerated in future.

He said the unit was spread over 46 acre but only one acre could be used for cultivation of 'golden yellow' silk. A request had been made to Hoshangabad administration for providing more land for production of the silk variety in large quantity.

UNI