Rs 232 crore for handloom and sericulture department

GUWAHATI: Assam government has earmarked Rs 232 crore under the state plan and Rs 138 crore crore under non-Plan to promote growth in the handloom and sericulture sector during the financial year 2013-14.


Assam was currently ranked third in silk production in the country with the annual production of eri yarn increasing to 1062 metric tonnes and muga silk production to 114 metric tonnes, official sources said here today.

The government would continue to provide necessary support to the weavers in the state to catalyse economic growth in the face of invasion of imported garments.

Distribution of yarns to the weavers would continue during the forthcoming financial year along with blankets, looms and accessories under different schemes which has led to increase in silk production in the state.

The government has also taken steps to increase production and marketing of 'gamosas', the traditional towel, within the state.

Machineries and equipments have also been provided for making readymade garments and for promotion of entrepreneurship in handloom sector in the urban areas.

The state government also proposes to set up an Integrated Textile Park at Naharkatiya in Upper Assam to create world class facilities for textile units and a Handloom Trade Centre at Guwahati for improvement and promotion of the handloom sector.