Sericulturists demand hike in import duty

President of District Sericulture Farmers Welfare Association, Mallur Shivanna addressing a press meet here on Saturday alleged that the Union government has been mulling over reducing import duty on silk to 15 pc which would affect the interests of native growers.

“Ramakrishna Hegde, during his tenure as Union commerce minister had kept the competition from China at bay by increasing the import duty to 31.5 pc from 15 pc. The present move to reduce the duty would certainly be detrimental to local growers,” he said.
The rally, in which as many as 6,000 sericulture farmers of the district are expected to take part, will demand the Union government to increase the duty to 50 pc, withdraw Central Silk Board Act, 2008 and implement State Silk Act, 1959 with suitable amendments. The rally is an attempt to draw the attention of the Union and State governments to the plight of sericulture farmers. He warned of launching a statewide stir if the demands were not met.
Convener of the district unit Sonnegowda, honourary president Anjinappa were present.