Bhubaneswar, May 9: A tripartite MoU for “Vanya Silk Programme in Odisha” was signed between Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Central Silk Board, Bengaluru and Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department today at State Guest House, Bhubaneswar.

This MoU will pave the way for implementation of the “Odisha Tusser Silk Development Project (O-TSDP)” in the State for creation of livelihood of forest dwellers through tusser sericulture activities.

 This proposed five years project will lead to livelihood creation for the members of VSS by adopting sericulture farming and create a wider scope for sustainable development and women empowerment along with employment generation through Mission Shakti WSHGs across the state.

The tusser forestry activities cover the plantation of Asan and Arjuna food plants for the rural, especially, the tribal farmers. Tusser worm rearing, cocoon production will be taken up by the Odisha Forest Department through VSS in 18 Forest Divisions of the state.

The sericulture wing of HT&H Department will provide technical support for tusser favouring host plantation and take up the marketing of tusser cocoon through network of 59 Primary Tusser Rearer Cooperative Society (PTRCS) and Serifed. The Central Silk Board will support the programme with funding under Silk Samagra-II for the proposed project.