STEPS TO BOOST SERICULTURE INDUSTRY
In
order to
mitigate the hardship faced by sericulture farmers in Karnataka,
Government has decided to provide a soft loan of
Rs. 1.5 crores to Karnataka Silk Industries
Corporation for purchase of cocoons on condition of
State
Government
guarantee. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi today, Minister
of State for Textiles, Shri Basangauda
R. Patil said that Government is also considering an increase
on import duty to the level of 44.4% from 35.5% approximately.
Minitry of Textiles has already sent its recommendations to the
Finance Ministry in this regard. The Minister admitted that raw
silk and silk cocoon sales have registered a decline in prices
which has caused hardship and anxiety to farmers and reelers.
Considering this, subsidies and financial support to farmers and
reelers is being increased. During the 10th plan Rs.
450/- crores have been earmarked for the sericulture sector amounting
to an increase of 30% as compared to 9th plan. Besides
this, Central Government is assisting the State Governments by
extending R&D, seed, technical and technology support and
financial assitance to farmers and reelers through several centrally
sponsored schemes being implemented by Central Silk Board. Shri
Basanguda. K. Patil divulged that investigation has started to
see if there is any dumping of silk by China.
