A major initiative to encourage castor-growing farmers in Gujarat,  Eri Sericulture Promotional Project was launched today that would help to adopt sericulture as an additional income-generating activity. It would  also help in expanding ericulture in Gujarat having abundant castor plants. The Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India launched the project at Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University (SDAU) and Kalyan Foundation in Palanpur.

A memorandum of understanding was also exchanged on the occasion that was attended by Shri Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles; Shri Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for Textiles and Smt. Rachana Shah, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles along with officials of Gujarat government.

"This project will bring a major revolution and the city will be known as Silk City in future. The waters of Narmada has reached the desert of Kutch because of the dedication and conviction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This government is committed to the welfare of the farmers and it is reflected in enhancing the budget for agriculture sector to more than Rs 1.50 lakh crores. This country is run by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and under his leadership everything is possible. He is son of the soil. His government is giving Rs 6,000 to farmers. Earlier, the Agriculture budget was Rs 21,000 crores and now it has increased," said Shri Giriraj Singh in his address.

He further said that the effect of this project will also spread in neighbouring state like Rajasthan and further proceed to UP and Bihar.

While addressing farmers, the Minister of State  Smt Pabitra Margherita said,  "I thank the Gujarat Government for facilitating in the launch of this project. Today, I feel proud that with the launch of the project a new dimension of business is added to the state. The silk sector provides employment opportunities to 90 lakh people especially women. The ministry is dedicated to the growth of sericulture. We want to create an ecosystem so that the global market gives legitimacy to the sustainable products grown out of it."

Speaking on the occasion the Textiles Secretary Rachna Shah said ,"Textile sector plays an important role in the country's economy with India being the second-largest producer and largest consumer of silk. The Central Silk Board has taken various efforts to increase the production and this project is an important step in that direction."

During the event, a documentary was also screened and progressive farmers of the region were also felicitated.

 

AP/GP.JT

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