Kudecho Khamo, Zachivelu Khamo Dolie and others during the inaugural programme of the training centre cum silk processing unit at Phusachodu on October 5. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 5
A training centre cum silk processing unit was inaugurated at Phusachodu village in Phek district on Monday, by Zachivelu Khamo Dolie, Director of Sericulture, Government of Nagaland in the presence of Kudecho Khamo, Advisor, CAWD, Government of Nagaland.
The project was financed by NABARD under the State Plan 2023-25.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Dolie said Phusachodu was known for its hardworking people and noted that sericulture was largely a women-driven sector.
She, however, said men were also taking keen interest in the activity even without government assistance.
She assured that the department would provide training and handholding support to the trainees so that they could take up sericulture as a livelihood activity as viable livelihood opportunity.
Dolie described sericulture as a low-investment livelihood activity, stating that once the plants were established, farmers could begin feeding silkworms within about three months. She said the activity could provide income three to four times over a year, if pursued steadily.
She also observed that there was a tendency among people to expect high returns from their investments and stressed the need to change this approach. While government intervention and support could provide an initial push, she said trained individuals with interest could continue the activity independently.
She informed that silk, as a by-product, could fetch around Rs. 3,000 per kilogram and said the department was considering enhancing the price which would enhance the earning.
The Director called for a change in the conventional mindset of depending primarily on government employment and encouraged people to explore other viable livelihood opportunities.
Dolie also highlighted various other products from Sericulture adding that nothing goes to waste and called upon the people to take keen interest.
‘Make proper use of the facility’
Kudecho Khamo, described the establishment of the silk processing unit and the commencement of training for women in the village as a blessing for Phusachodu.
Khamo acknowledged Advisor Imkongmar, under whose department, Phusachodu village got the project under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
He said the silk production centre should not be viewed merely as an asset created for the village, but as a facility where women could come, work, acquire skills and earn a livelihood.
Appreciating the spirit of cooperation shown by the people of Phusachodu and the village leadership in supporting developmental initiatives, Khamo said such cooperation would go a long way for posterity.
He said it was the aspiration of every citizen to build a good and model village based on faith and honesty, reflecting the values of a true Christian village.
Khamo also stressed the shared responsibility of the people in taking forward development initiatives and urged the villagers to make proper use of the newly inaugurated facility.
Khamo called upon the villagers to take advantage of the centre to acquire skills while developing a sense of ownership to care for and protect the facility.
Earlier, welcome address was delivered by Velapa Theluo, Chairman of Phusachodu Village Council. The programme was led by Bedukho Chuzho, Associate Professor, DIET Pfutsero with dedicatory prayer offered by Rev Velacuyi Khamo, Pastor Phusachodu Baptist Church. Vote of thanks was proposed by Khunietalu Medeo, VDB Secretary (Women) while closing prayer was pronounced by Veduru Vero, Head Deacon PBC.
Meanwhile, the Training on Eri Silk spinning on motorised spinning machine and silk weaving, which commenced today, will continue till October 22.
