Centre to implement Rs 900-cr sericulture projects in North East: Smriti Irani

Integrated Large Scale Eri Farming in Arunachal Pradesh launched

Our Correspondent

Itanagar: Union Minister for Textile Smriti Irani on Friday said the Centre is putting in efforts to implement sericulture projects worth Rs 900 crore in the North-east to empower the farmers and weavers.

Launching the Integrated Large Scale Eri Farming in Arunachal Pradesh under North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS) at the State Assembly here, the minister said the government has decided to provide financial assistance to 4,000 beneficiaries under the scheme in the State. Irani also assured to impart skill training to seri farmers and weavers under the Samarth Scheme. There are 27,000 looms and 33,000 handloom weavers in the State.

Initially, the project would cover five districts of the State – Papumpare, East Kameng, Siang, East Siang and West Siang.

The minister said about 1,000 acre of land would be covered for eri farming in the chosen districts. “If the children of poor weaver families want to pursue higher studies either through NIOS or IGNOU, the government will bear 75 per cent of their fees,” Irani said and added that if any registered weaver wants to upgrade their old looms, than the government would give 90 per cent financial assistance in buying a new one.

Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju who, was also present on the occasion, said the NERTPS is also a scheme for women empowerment and employment generation.

He said the traditional weaving culture in the State provides vast opportunity for textile sector.

Congress MP from Arunachal East Parliamentary Constituency Ninong Ering was also present on the occasion.

Later on the day, Irani reviewed a set of loin looms set up in the Raj Bhavan, here. Interacting with the weavers, the Union Minister suggested registration and branding of the loin loom products of every tribe in the State. This will facilitate access of the loin loom products to international markets,” she added.

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