ITANAGAR, Oct 9: As part of its initiative to promote khadi, silk production and rural industries, the Arunachal Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board (APKVIB) has organised a one-day awareness programme on beekeeping and Eri and mulberry silk cluster development at Jote- Poma under Sangdupota circle in Papum Pare district.
Addressing the programme, APKVIB Chairman Adv Maling Gombu explained the Board’s mandate and its role in developing the khadi and silk sectors and agro-based village industries through convergence with the Departments of Sericulture, Textile and Handloom, and Agriculture and Horticulture.
He said the proposed intervention would focus on strengthening the downstream village industry ecosystem, covering the entire value chain from cocoon production to yarn processing, spinning and reeling, weaving, garment-making, handicrafts, branding, packaging and marketing.
Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s potential in silk production, Gombu said the state’s favourable agro-climatic conditions, fertile land and diverse climatic zones offered considerable opportunities to produce its own silk rather than remain dependent on supplies from outside.
He said the proposed initiative would work with village clusters, self-help groups (SHGs) and the State Rural Livelihoods Mission to generate employment, promote sustainable livelihoods and encourage entrepreneurship, particularly among women. APKVIB would provide the necessary handholding support to develop these activities into viable rural enterprises.
Emphasising the importance of self-reliance in national development, Gombu quoted a policy paper from Canada, which states, “A nation that does not produce what it needs, is not truly secure. A nation that depends on adversaries for its critical inputs is not truly sovereign. And a nation that reduces its economics to consumption only is not truly prosperous.”
He also highlighted India's silk production scenario, stating that the country produces around 41,121 metric tonnes of silk annually, including Eri, mulberry, Tasar and Muga varieties. He said Eri silk production was concentrated largely in the Northeast, with Assam accounting for a major share of the region’s output, while Arunachal Pradesh contributes around 60–65 metric tonnes. Karnataka is the country’s leading silk-producing state, followed by Andhra Pradesh, he added.
APKVIB development officer and beekeeping expert Hompu Techi Tadar delivered a detailed presentation on beekeeping, its economic benefits and the distinctive qualities of honey produced in Arunachal Pradesh.
She emphasised the importance of bees in pollination and maintaining ecological balance, warning that their disappearance would have serious consequences for the global ecosystem. She also said APKVIB would extend handholding support to beekeepers in honey processing, packaging and marketing to help them obtain better returns.
APKVIB Vice-Chairman Tagin Siga spoke about the initiatives of the Central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state government under Chief Minister Pema Khandu to promote micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), local production and the Vocal for Local and Swadeshi initiatives.
He assured the participants that APKVIB would work towards the development of the silk sector and village industries to strengthen the rural economy and create livelihood opportunities.
The programme featured an interactive question-and-answer session and discussions on beekeeping, silk production and cluster development. Around 100 farmers, SHG members and cluster representatives attended the programme.
Others present included Papum Pare PLF president Taba Yeri, GPC Techi Punia, Gaon Burahs, Panchayat members, APKVIB development officer Ralong Singhi, and Pura Papi Singhi, among others.