Mokokchung, (Nagaland), Feb 22 (IANS): Union Minister for Textiles Smriti Irani on Friday said the government is trying to promote silk production on a large scale throughout the northeastern states.

Inaugurating a Post Cocoon Technology project besides launching other projects under the North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS) at Sabangya, Chungtia here, Irani said that the project envisages new Eri plantation on 100 hectares of land and the Central Silk board will work towards rejuvenation of 600 hectares of existing Eri farms.

She said the project will facilitate post cocoon activities for on-farm sector like plantation, spinning, reeling etc.

"It will also provide handlooms and work sheds to 2,500 weavers which in turn will provide important linkages for self-sustenance of the production activities," she said.

"The project would generate direct employment for 15,600 people during the project period and 7,000 persons per year when the project attains full capacity," she added.

Noting that the northeast states contribute the bulk of the Muga silk production in India, Irani expressed optimism that implementation of such a project will not only uplift the economic condition of the people but help women empowerment through employment opportunities.

Minister of State for Home, Kiren Rijiju said textile is not a new thing for the people of Nagaland as they are closely associated with it through their rich ethnic designs and patterns.