Japan withdraws financial aid to Manipur Seri Project

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IMPHAL, April 19: Japan withdrew financial aid to be given to the Phase II sericulture project undertaken in Manipur after phase one was completed. This was stated by Y. Irabot, Sericulture minister in the opening function of Two Days Cocoon and silk exhibition 2011 held at sericulculture office complex at Thangapat today.

Minister Irabot stated that the sanction for financial aid to the ongoing sericulture project was cancelled following Tsunami that struck Japan that killed thousands. Irabot however did not dishearten the sericulture farmers by announcing that the second phase of the sericulture project would be taken up with Government of Manipur financing the project and that it would be funded under Special Plan Assistance. Rs. 62.11 crores have been earmarked by the Government of Manipur for taking up the remaining part of Sericulture project.

In reply to the farmers of the Field Operation Unit (FOU) had demanding fencing and reconstruction of the present farms Irabot stated that the matter would be discussed and would be decided. Irabot was also surprised that buildings of the FOU were found to be constructed by third parties without quality control and announced that no free hand would be given to the federation of farmers in future construction works of the FOU.

The minister also stated that proceedings of the first phase of the sericulture project would be inspected as some of the farmers were found to rear poultry instead of cocoons in their farms. Shortage of Electricity would be solved by installing solar power for the welfare of the farmers. He also declared that no land would be awarded to any federation of FOUs except for building office complexes. Over 300 stalls exhibited their produces in the exhibition today.

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