Indian could be self-sufficient in silk production by the year 2020 as the country has recorded an annual growth rate of 19 per cent, according to the Central Silk Board (CSB). The current silk output of India is currently between 28,000 metric tonnes (MT) to 30,000 MT and the country aims to stop importing silk from China in the next three-four years.
Silk production in India is growing year to year, said media reports quoting K M Hanumantharayappa, chairman of CSB. India is witnessing a 19 per cent growth in silk production and aims to produce 34,000 MT to make it self-sufficient. He said that the target is achievable if the country continues to keep its growth momentum.
About 80 per cent of the total global silk output comes from China and India produces 13 per cent of the total output. Silk imports from China have already reduced from 6,500 MT to 3,500 MT, said Hanumantharayappa.
While China only produces mulberry silk, India produces multiple varieties including muga and tassar, said the chairman.
He also added that CSB is offering assistance in the form of subsidies on machines, technological support and free training to farmers.
Hanumantharayappa also urged state governments to help increase silk production by supporting farmers and offering monetary benefits to them. (KD)
Source:Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India