Re-launch of two silk factories stressed

FE Team | Published: August 29, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

RAJSHAHI, Aug 28 (BSS): Speakers here have called for re-launching the two state-owned for revitalisation of the traditional silk sector.
The factories - Rajshahi Silk Factory and Thakurgaon Silk Factory - belong to Bangladesh Sericulture Development Board (BSDB).
They said resumption of work as well as production at the two factories was the long-standing demand of the region as livelihood of many its people depends on the sector.
They mentioned that boosting production of local yarn could help revitalise the silk sector and help regain its lost glory alongside meeting the local demand. Local consumption could be met with domestic output of silk after proper use of natural resources.
Rising price of imported yarn has posed a challenge to local silk manufacturers but offered an opportunity to increase local production of raw materials.
BSDB organised the meeting in its conference hall to discuss ways and means on how to re-launch the two factories as early as possible to meet the local demand.
With Anis-Ul-Haque Bhuiyan, Director General of BSDB, in the chair, Rajshahi University teachers, Prof Dr Mustafizur Rahman and Prof Dr Mukhlesur Rahman, BSDB Member (Finance and Planning) Nazibul Islam and Member (Extension and Motivation) Serajul Islam, Director of Bangladesh Sericulture Research and Training Institute Jamaluddin Shah and Managing Director of Sapura Silk Mills Limited Sadar Ali spoke on the occasion.
Deputy General Manager of Rajshahi Textile Mills Abual Hossain, Deputy Director of Divisional Textile Department Deen Muhammad Ali and BSDB Secretary Zayedul Islam also spoke.
During his keynote presentation, BSDB Member Nazibul Islam, highlighted various ways and means of sustainable production of silk yarn through the best uses of 12 minifilatures.
The discussants recommended that ways and means should be worked out how yarn production could be boosted through proper utilisation of the existing natural and other infrastructural resources. There is no alternative to raising domestic production of yarn to protect the sector.
They expressed the opinion that the sector needs an urgent initiative to retain the skilled labourers, especially the cocoon rearers, weavers and printers, in the profession and thus protect the sector itself.
Demand of local yarn has started increasing due to the price-hike of imported silk. It is expected that the cocoon rearers would become interested again in enhancing their production if they get reasonable price of their produce.
"We have no alternative to revitalising the sector and protect six lakh people engaged in the sector," said silk industrialist Sadar Ali.
He listed the growers should be provided with support and inputs such as disinfected eggs, high-yielding mulberry plants, technical support and soft loan for construction of rearing house along with ensuring sound marketing facilities.