Silkworm breeders in Akhal velayat were the first in the country to report on the successful fulfillment of their contractual obligations, having reared 156-plus tons of silkworm cocoons.
The region’s khyakim informed President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov of this at the 15 May video-conference meeting.The President congratulated the farmers warmly on meeting their production targets, wishing them more success ahead.
The head of state hoped that sericulturists in other regions would also complete the cocoon-growing season successfully.In accordance with the Presidential Decree On Silkworm Cocoon Production in 2019’, the Ministry of Textile Industry is authorized to conclude a contract with regional khyakimliks for the production of 2,030 tons of cocoons.
The history of sericulture on Turkmen land goes back thousands of years.For centuries, national traditions of silk farming were passed down from generation to generation.This has helped to preserve the secrets of producing beautiful silk fabrics and carpets up to this day.
Having gained renewed impetus, sericulture is today one of the most prospective sectors of the textile industry, whose produce is always high in demand both in the home and foreign markets.
Ongoing reforms in the agro-industry and comprehensive socio-economic programs for regional development are a guarantee of promoting this folk craft with massive production potential.The reforms are aimed at fostering qualitatively new socio-economic relations in rural areas, stimulating agricultural producers, and providing everything necessary to enhance the nation’s well-being.
The fundamental modernization of the textile industry infrastructure is seen as hugely important.Sector enterprises are producing high-quality silk thread; new facilities have been opened for the production of silk carpets, keteni (a traditional national fabric), and other silk products.
Special emphasis is placed on the development of silk farming in the context of the state policy aimed at supporting and encouraging entrepreneurship in rural areas.Thousands of mulberry trees, whose leaves are the traditional feed for the silkworm, are grown annually in specially-designated gardens and in some daikhan associations.
What is more, planted around the perimeter of farmlands, mulberry trees keep cotton and other crops well protected from scorching winds, and help to strengthen banks of irrigation canals and to ensure the ecological well-being.
This also allows farmers to combine silk farming and cotton growing to produce more products and make extra profits on the same land plot.More and more rural dwellers show keen interest in silk farming with every passing year.
Financial incentives coupled with a rise in purchase prices are a highly instrumental factor here.The silk industry is improving its competitiveness amid the rapid transition to a market-based economy.
Investment flows to the textile industry, including the silk sector, will continue to increase.This will enable to boost the production of products highly sought after in the world market.