Bhubaneswar, June 20 (UDN): In a major initiative aimed at strengthening the sericulture sector and enhancing rural livelihoods, the Odisha government has decided to invest Rs 274 crore over the next five years for the promotion and development of all four varieties of silk produced in the state.

Announcing the plan on Friday, Director of Textiles and Handlooms Somesh Kumar Upadhyay said the investment will focus on expanding silk production, improving infrastructure, and providing greater support to farmers and rearers associated with the sector.

The proposed investment is expected to boost the production of Mulberry, Tasar, Eri and Muga silk while creating sustainable employment opportunities, particularly in rural and tribal areas. The initiative also aims to strengthen the entire sericulture value chain, from cocoon production to processing and marketing.

Officials said the government will undertake several measures, including capacity-building programmes, infrastructure development, technological interventions and welfare initiatives for sericulture farmers to make silk farming more remunerative.

Odisha is one of the few states in the country that produces all four commercially important varieties of silk. The sector provides livelihood support to thousands of families, especially those belonging to tribal and economically weaker communities.

The state government hopes that the proposed investment will further accelerate growth in the sericulture sector and position Odisha as a leading silk-producing state in the country.