Imphal, December 11 2009: The second phase of the Manipur Sericulture Project sponsored by the Japan Bank of International Corporation (JBIC) would be initiated within the first two months of 2010 .

This was stated by Member Secretary of Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles Sramati Satyabati during a press meet at Hotel Imphal today.

Satyabati arrived at Imphal yesterday to oversee the work programmes listed for the second phase.

The Ministry of Textiles has received project proposal for the second phase from the State Government.

Satyabati said that she inspected the works taken up in the first phase yesterday.

"We have visited some five/six places where the project is located besides interacting with silk farmers", she said.

Though infrastructure have been installed to a satisfactory level, the farmers were yet to receive technical inputs.

She said that necessary technical equipment and knowledge would be made available to farmers.

Requisite fund for the second phase of Manipur Sericulture Project may be sanctioned in January next year.

However, the exact amount to be sanctioned has not been finalised as yet, the Member Secretary said.

On the other hand, a meeting of the members of State Advisory Board of the Sericulture Project was held today with the Sericulture Minister in the chair.

It is further reported that due process has been initiated to recruit 87 new posts for the Sericulture Project though these new posts are awaiting Cabinet approval.

A sum of Rs 134.52 crores provided by JBIC on loan and the State's share of Rs 18.33 crores have been utilised in the first phase of the Sericulture Project.

It is being expected that Rs 356.09 crores would be sanctioned for the second phase.

However, the exact official figure according to the project proposal cannot be ascertained.

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