State program for development of sericulture approved
By Aygul Salmanova
Sericulture, an ancient and important agricultural sphere, for centuries occupied a unique place in Azerbaijan.
The government of Azerbaijan seeks to revive this ancient industry, which may become one of the most important segments of the non-oil economy.
Recently President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree approving the "State Program for Development of Silkworm Breeding and Sericulture in Azerbaijan in 2018-2025".
According to the decree, the state program is approved to develop silkworm breeding and sericulture, increase export potential in this sphere, and ensure employment of rural population.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Economy will collaborate to take necessary measures stipulated in the state program.
The history of sericulture in Azerbaijan dates back to almost fifteen hundred years and has very rich history.
When it comes to silk in Azerbaijan, the first place that comes to mind is ancient city of Sheki, which once considered the largest center for the production of silk and silk farming in the Middle Ages.
Delicate fabrics, beautiful clothes, and colorful kelagayis (silk headscarf) manufactured by Sheki craftsmen from raw silk, were exported to foreign countries, so the city became famous for its silk throughout the world.
In the Soviet period, Azerbaijan ranked second after Uzbekistan for the production of silk cocoon, but was considered first in fiber quality. The country annually produced 7,800 tons of raw cocoons in 1960-1970.
Azerbaijan produced only 236 kilograms of silk in 2015, while in 2016 this figure amounted to 71 tons. According to estimates, the volume of silk production by the end 2017 is expected to increase by 2-3 times.
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