Two silk clusters at Jammu and Srinagar

Srinagar, Jun 22: The Central Silk Board (CSB), in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir sericulture department, will establish two silk clusters in Jammu and Kashmir, an official spokesman said on Sunday, June 22.

He said this was agreed at a meeting between Union Minister for Textile Shankersinh Veghela Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Industries Nawang Rigzin Jora, Agriculture Minister Abdul Aziz Zagar and Minister of State for Industries and Commerce Romesh Sharma.

It was agreed that two silk clusters--one each at Nowshera in Jammu and at Srinagar in Kashmir valley would be set up during the next 18 months at a cost of Rs four crores, he added.

Spokesman said Mr Vaghela said the cluster scheme will provide all farm and rearing implement support to the farmers besides technical knowledge to help in creating self-help groups, especially of the unemployed youth.

This approach of Central Silk Board would prove more beneficial in the promotion of silk industry in the state, he added.

The Union Minister said for giving market support to the silk sector, a silk market will be organised in July 2008 under Silk Mark brand to enhance the marketing facilities to silk exporters of the state.

He said the Central government would extend full support for promotion and sustenance of the silk sector.

The Union Minister asked the departments linked with textile sector to avail the benefits of centrally sponsored schemes for promotion of the sector.

Referring to the demands regarding enhancement of stipend for handicraft trainees and funds for replacement of old looms for weavers, Mr Vaghela said these demands would be actively looked into.

UNI