Developing innovative Naga apparels

The department of women development, having initiated a project on ‘Textile Weaving & Designing’ recently with one of its major objectives to develop new and innovative contemporary Naga apparels, conducted a training programme on Eri rearing for women SHG members on Tuesday at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Meriema.
Silk, as a raw material, has been chosen during the pilot phase of the project as rearing of silkworms in large quantity was viable in most parts of the State and potential of taking it up as a regular means of income generation, particularly for womenfolk.
Department has identified six cluster areas in Kohima, Peren, Wokha, Mokokchung, Phek and Mon districts and established 10 Eri rearing units in each cluster area initially to rear Eri silkworms on castor plants. The training was organized for 120 women SHG members with two members from each rearing unit to update and upgrade their rearing skills, particularly on pest and disease management, castor plantation and best practices of Eri worm rearing.
Hushili, secretary, women development exhorted the participants to take the training seriously and to take this opportunity to clarify whatever doubts they have. Since the participants would be further imparting whatever they have learnt to their fellow SHG members and other village folk in their area, she added that it was imperative that they learn methods and processes properly for the benefit of the people of their respective areas in view of the fact that it would become a substantial source of income for them if implemented properly.