MoU signed for Vanya Silk Programme in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: A tripartite MoU for “Vanya Silk Programme in Odisha” was signed between Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Govt. of Odisha, Central Silk Board, Bengaluru and Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, Govt. of Odisha today at State Guest House, Bhubaneswar.

Addl. Chief Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Dr. Mona Sharma was present during the signing. PCCF and Head of Forest-Force Sisir Kumar Ratho, Chief  Executive Officer and Member Secretary, Central Silk Board Rajit Ranjan Okhandiar,  Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Smt.  Shubha Sarma spoke on the project.

The MoU was signed by Pradeep Raj Karat, CCF (PP&A) and CEO, State CAMPA on behalf of Forest Department, Sushanta Dash, Director Textiles and Handloom on behalf of Textiles and Handlooms Department and Sri Siva Prasad, Director  (Technical), Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India.

This MoU will pave the way for implementation of the “Odisha Tusser Silk Development Project (O-TSDP)” in the State for creation of livelihood of forest dwellers through Tusser Sericulture activities. This proposed five years project will lead to livelihood creation for the members of VSS by adopting Sericulture farming and create a wider scope for sustainable development and women empowerment along with employment generation through Mission Shakti WSHGs across the State. The Tusser Forestry activities cover the plantation of Asan and Arjuna Food plants for the rural, especially, the tribal farmers. Tusser Worm rearing, cocoon production will be taken up by the Odisha Forest Department through  VSS in 18 Forest Divisions of the State. The sericulture wing of HT&H Department will  provide technical support for Tusser favouring host plantation and take up the marketing of  Tusser Cocoon through network of 59 Primary Tusser Rearer Cooperative Society (PTRCS)  and Serifed. The Central Silk Board, GoI will support the programme with funding under Silk  Samagra-II for the proposed project.

On this occasion a small video on Vanya Silk from Keonjhar Forest Division and a short film on empowerment of women in Tasar farming of Bhagamunda were presented. Manoj Mohapatra, RCCF coordinated the programme, while Smt. Meeta Biswal, PCCF and  Project Director, OFSDP offer vote of thanks.