Kamrup (Assam), 11 September (HS): Assam Handloom, Textiles and Sericulture Minister Biswajit Daimary on Friday inaugurated a Muga food plantation programme under Mission Senehjori at Turukpara Muga Nursery Farm in Boko, Kamrup district, with an aim to strengthen the state's Muga sericulture ecosystem.

Daimary attended the inaugural programme as the chief guest in the presence of Boko-Chaygaon MLA Raju Mesh, senior officials of the Handloom, Textiles and Sericulture Department and other district-level officials. As part of the plantation drive, 63 new Som seedlings were planted at the farm.

Som plants are the primary food source for Muga silkworms, and increasing their availability is expected to strengthen Muga silk production and support farmers engaged in sericulture. Established in 1979, the Turukpara Muga Nursery Farm covers four hectares and currently has around 950 Som plants.

The initiative is expected to benefit at least 10 Muga farmers associated with the farm. Speaking on the occasion, Daimary stressed the need to strengthen grassroots-level sericulture infrastructure and expand Som plantations to ensure adequate food resources for Muga silkworm rearing.

The Minister also interacted with local farmers and highlighted the importance of sustainable, locally suitable interventions to improve productivity and livelihood opportunities. The plantation drive is expected to further strengthen Assam's globally renowned Muga silk production base.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash