End of the silk era in 2000 and the missed economic opportunities for Lebanese women

As Safir newspaper published last Saturday a report on silk production in Lebanon including an interview with Michel Leon, the last general director of the “silk bureau” which was closed some 15 years ago.  Leon noted that turning the page on silk production in Lebanon was a non recoverable loss as this sector did not put any burden on the treasury but rather secured economic income as well as social results especially at the level of income for rural families as well as traditional handicrafts.  Leon noted that the silk bureau was created back in 1956 and played a distinct role in agriculture, industry and development, stressing that it was the first independent institution in Lebanon.  Leon further noted that this sector created jobs for rural people and encouraged them not to migrate to the cities, highlighting that raising silkworms takes only one month and absorbs masked unemployment especially amongst women as well as those retired and with delicate health.  He added that silk production used to be quite prosperous in many areas notably Baalbek and Hermel and was an alternative to illicit agriculture especially that the mulberry tree can grow in many climates and on non irrigated lands.  The report concluded by noting that Leon had sent a memorandum to the Minister of Agriculture on 15/6/2000, shortly prior to the closure of the Silk Bureau, explaining the environmental and economic importance of this sector, though to no avail and the Bureau was unjustly closed.
Source: Al-Safir 18 October 2014