Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Jan. 7
By Huseyn Hasanov– Trend:
In order to further strengthen the raw material base of the silk industry, the Turkmenyupek JSC of the Ministry of Textile Industry is working to increase cocoon harvest, Trend reports with reference to the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper.
This year it is envisaged to establish a plan for the production of cocoons in the amount of 2,030 tons, including 155 tons for Ahal region, 25 tons for Balkan region, 485 tons for Dashoguz region, 960 tons for Lebap region and 405 tons for Mary region.
Sericulture may become one of the key sectors of the local agricultural industry. Sericulture is spread throughout the country, with the exception of the western regions, and more than half of the cocoon harvesting accounts for the Lebap region.
Turkmenistan is the native land of silk homespun fabric called “ketene”. Turkmens have been successfully practicing sericulture for many centuries. Their homespun material has been very highly appreciated and has been in great demand due to its strength, as well as the brightness and beauty of its pattern.
The samples of ancient silk fabrics made in the ancient Turkmen city of Merv are preserved in the famous museums of Egypt, the UK and the US.