SHILLONG: Rapid urbanization and deforestation has many ill effects and it is taking its toll on Meghalaya, which was once known as a coolest hill station in the country but rarely has it been thought of that practices such as coal mining, setting up of cement companies would adversely affect the sericulture department.
It is said that large number of cement industries that have come up in the State has added fuel to fire as such practices have led to the destruction of sericulture across the State.
An expert from the State sericulture institute, Ummlong in West Jaintia Hills, on the request of anonymity asserted that if the situation goes unchecked, the silk worm would face the threat of extinction in the State.
Endemic to North east, the Muga silk moths that help produce the world’s famous golden weaves are facing premature death due to deforestation and mining activities.
According to experts, misuse of land and deforestation is also becoming one of the prime causes of decreasing food availability of Muga Silkworms as Muga worms are very sensitive to odours of toxic chemicals, temperature fluctuations and humidity.
Experts also said that said mining of minerals including limestone and coal affects the ecological balance and thus affect the silk worm species.
It is feared that unless measures are taken to prevent the random destruction of forests, the future of silkworm will be in dark and this will be a great loss for the people of the State.
Experts also said that if the situation goes unchecked, then the little production of raw materials in the State will compel businessmen or silk product sellers to bring imported silk yarn and products to fulfill the growing demands.
However, interestingly, pure silk may not be than easily available in the market.
The objective of the Sericulture and weaving department is to boost up cocoon and silk production by development of systematic and economic plantation at sericultural farmers level so as to enhance the productivity per unit area through implementation of need-based schemes such as Integrated Eri, Mulberry and Muga Development Program Training facilities are provided to the farmers, reelers and spinners on improved methods
Under Handloom Weaving sector, efforts are being made to increase production of hand woven fabrics in the state, adding various need based schemes are implemented to step up production of best quality handloom fabrics so as to promote the socio-economic upliftment of the poor weavers.
The activities also involve training and demonstration on appropriate techniques at all stages of operation on improved fly shuttle looms. Training facilities are provided to handloom weaving trainers under the scheme on Silk Weaving Technology Programme to private handloom weavers in clusters.
