Raw silk production touches 19,600 tonnes

The production of raw silk in the country has touched 19,600 metric tonnes in the last financial year.

Chairman, Central Sericulture Board (CSB), H Hanumanthappa, said so while presiding over a meeting, to review implementation of the Catalytic Development Programme(CDP) with the northern and southern states here today.

“This production of 19,600 metric tonnes of raw silk was achieved largely due to the concerted efforts of CSB and the state governments which adopted sericulture as a major component of silk industry. More states needed to take this up now,” said Hanumanthappa.

Member-secretary, CSB, M Sathiyavathy urged the beneficiary states to effectively implement CDP, which showed encouraging results in terms of sustainability and productivity.

She said CSB schemes were being implemented for improvement in production of cocoon through expansion infrastructure, training and supply of vital inputs to beneficiaries and government-run centres.

Sathiyavathy agreed to soon open a demonstration and training service centre under the post cocoon section in Himachal Pradesh.

Director, industries Himachal Pradesh, J C Sharma stressed the need to improve the earnings of the locals by cultivation of cocoons which could be done at least three times in the lower hills.