A training centre-cum-silk processing unit was inaugurated at Phusachodu village in Phek district on Monday, with the initiative aimed at promoting sericulture and creating livelihood opportunities
KOHIMA — A training centre-cum-silk processing unit was inaugurated at Phusachodu village in Phek district on Monday, with the initiative aimed at promoting sericulture and creating livelihood opportunities, particularly for women.
The project, financed by NABARD under the State Plan 2023-25, was inaugurated by Zachivelu Khamo Dolie, Director of Sericulture, in the presence of Kudecho Khamo, Advisor CAWD, and other department officials.
Addressing 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.
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.
Also read: North Eastern Council seeks ambitious projects from Nagaland
Dolie particularly called for parents to support their children in pursuing different career paths.
“Change should start with the approach of the parents,” she said.
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 INR 3,000 per kilogram and said the department was considering enhancing the price which would enhance the earning.
Khamo calls for ownership of facility
Special guest 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.
Acknowledging Advisor Imkongmar, Khamo said developmental initiatives had been taking place across the state under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
He said Phusachodu had been blessed with opportunities to develop infrastructure.
He said the centre should not be viewed merely as an asset created for the village for one time, 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.
He called for the participation of all sections of the community in developmental endeavours.
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.
He emphasised that the training centre should not be seen as an exhibitory facility for a day, but as an asset that would remain with the people. He 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, the welcome address was delivered by Velapa Theluo, Chairman of Phusachodu Village Council.