AIZAWL: Identification of sericulture potential with remote sensing and geographical information system in six of the eight districts in Mizoram has found that 1439 sq km are suitable for mulberry cultivation.
The report, prepared by the Mizoram Remote Sensing Application Centre (MIRSAC) and released here on Thursday, also revealed that another 8322 sqkm are ideal for rearing on non-mulberry silkworms.
The report was handed over to the sericulture department by Science and Technology department’s principal scientific officer Dr Vanlalzara.
The study appeared to have excluded the three autonomous district councils in southern Mizoram.
Appreciating the efforts of MIRSAC in preparing the sericulture atlas, Dr Vanlalzara said sericulture potential if tapped properly could boost the state’s economy to a great extent.
”The atlas would be a great help in exploring sericulture potential in the state,” he said.
MIRSAC senior scientist Lalnunsiama Colney, who gave a technical report, said that Mizoram has a large area of wasteland due to the destructive slash-and-burn or shifting cultivation. ”Mulberry and other trees can be successfully grown for silkworm rearing,” he said.
MIRSAC project director Dr R K Lallianthanga informed that the project had been jointly) jointly conducted by the North East Space Application Centre (NESAC) and MIRSAC, under the sponsorship of Central Silk Board (CSB). (UNI)