The prices of silk cocoons has come down drastically, the protesters complained. They demanded that the government hike the import duty to 50 per cent and check illegal import of silk.
They also urged the government to compensate the farmers who suffered due to the import duty policy of the government.
The Minister for Sericulture has neglected the interest of the growers, the agitators alleged. The demonstrators complained that the distress relief of Rs 30 a kg will not help the farmers in any way and urged the government to reconsider the decision.
Abbanni Shivappa, K Srinivasa Gowda, Krishne Gowda, Ganesha Gowda, Prabhakar, Srinath and others led the protest.
Published 09 November 2011, 19:24 IST