Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, May 20: "Around 30 years ago, sericulture accounted for 70 percent of agricultural activity in Udupi and Mangaluru districts. Sericulture can now be developed as a viable alternative to arecanut crops," said sericulture minister K Venkatesh.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Dakshina Kannada district-level sericulture fair, jointly organized by the Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat sericulture department and the Bharath Agricultural Development Foundation, at the Suvarna Rangamandira of Vittal PU College.

"There is a vast difference between traditional and modern sericulture practices. Various programs are being implemented to encourage farmers to take up silk farming," the minister added.

Mysuru sericulture department joint director Prathibha addressed the gathering and emphasized the need to embrace sericulture to compete in the national market. "Modern technologies have been introduced in silk farming, and by adopting them, farmers can significantly increase their income. High priority is being given to integrated and organic farming. The department will provide financial assistance to those setting up sericulture units," she said.

During the event, Muruva Mahabala Bhat, experienced sericulture farmer Mamatha Rai Devasya, and mixed crop farmer Naveen Chakabay from Sullia were felicitated for their achievements in the agricultural sector.

Entrepreneur Suresh Shetty, Suddi Group head Dr Shivananda, animal husbandry department deputy director Arun Kumar Shetty, farmers' association district president Shridhara Shetty Bailuguthu, agricultural development foundation managing director M Prasad Shetty, and Preetham Sequeira were present.

Sumith Mascarenhas welcomed the gathering. Nagaraja Bannur rendered the vote of thanks, and Mohini Vishwanath compered the programme.