“There is a gap of 8,000 tonnes between India’s requirement of silk, which is 26,000 tonnes and its production which is 18,000 metric tonnes,” announced Chairman, Central Silk Board, H Hanumanthappa. He was speaking at an event organised by Silk Mark Organisation of India (SMOI), Bangalore Chapter, to felicitate participants of Silk Mark Ugadi on Thursday.

The world silk production is 1,25,000 metric tonnes of which 85 percent is produced by China and 13 per cent by India. But China’s productivity out of 100 Disease Free Layings or DFL (silkworm eggs) is 69 kgs, while India’s is 80/100 kgs , he said.

Talking about how research has helped improve production, Mr Hanumanthappa said the Central Silk Board has been sharing knowledge and assisting the state boards. In the 11th Plan Rs 902 crore has been earmarked for the development of silk industries, he said.

Eco silk
The Chairman of SMOI, Dr H Bhaskar said that the Eco Label for Natural Silk is in progress and will be brought out by the end of the year. Labelled ‘Eco Silk’, this will cater to niche markets and the West. To protect the credibility of Muga silk, a separate label with ‘100 per cent Muga silk’ written on the label will be also promoted.
Mr Hanumanthappa said the SMOI “does not have teeth”. If any dealer violates, there is no mechanism to punish him--there is a need to set up such a mechanism, he said. He also touched upon how the usefulness of the Consumer Court  in such matters.


HIGHLIGHTS

*Zari Testing in one years time
*Build eco-silks as a label
*Create a special label for Muga silks
*Special strategy to cover silk shawl manufacturers of Ludhiana
*Conduct a campaign targeting silk importers overseas
*Focus on Indian silk exporters
*Strengthening surveillance mechanisms
*Exhibitions at Mumbai, Pune Bangalore and Guwhati
*Silk sourcing guide in five languages
*Organise awareness campaigns
*Opening a market focused website catering to export and domestic market to tie AU to pure silk consumers