Date:10/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/10/stories/2008101052230300.htm

Tamil Nadu

Take up sericulture activity: Collector

Staff Reporter

KARUR: Collector T.N. Venkatesh has urged progressive farmers and others in Karur district to take up sericulture activities in a big way as it was turning out to be a rewarding venture.

“Take advantage of the huge subsidy being extended to the farmers for sericulture activities,” he reminded the farmers.

Over 200 farmers have raised mulberry in more than 278 acres in the district. The activity was spread in all the eight blocks of the district. A farmer could bring one or two acres of land under mulberry cultivation.

Banks were extending loans for cultivation of mulberry and maintaining of cocoons in the separate sheds. Subsidy was being granted to construct sheds even, he has noted in a press release issued here. For formation of sheds, the subsidy limit was to the tune of Rs. 60,000, he has added.

That apart, subsidy was also being given for putting up drip irrigation facility for the mulberry gardens, the maximum subsidy being Rs. 28,500.

Progressive farmers have taken up mulberry cultivation and sericulture activity successfully and their remunerative endeavour was an example to others, he has observed.