Karnataka govt. increases incentive for bivoltine cocoon growers from to ₹30 per kg
The Hindu
The State government increases incentive for bivoltine cocoon growers, aims to develop hi-tech cocoon markets in Mysuru.
The State government on Friday, February 16, announced an increase in the incentive for bivoltine cocoon growers from the existing ₹10 per kg to ₹30 per kg.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made the announcement in the State Budget 2024-25 presented in the Legislative Assembly on Friday.
Bivoltine cocoons are considered to be superior in quality compared to the traditional crossbreed cocoons grown in Karnataka, which contributes a lion’s share to India’s raw silk production.
The superior quality silk reeled out of bivoltine cocoons also prevents the need for importing high-quality silk from China. With the number of Automatic Reeling Machines (ATM) expected to go up in the coming days, the requirement of superior quality bivoltine cocoons will increase correspondingly.
The Central Silk Board (CSB) has been making efforts to increase the volume of bivoltine cocoons in the country. Out of the 36,582 tonnes of raw silk produced in India during 2022-23, silk reeled out of bivoltine cocoons accounted for only 8,901 tonnes, up from about 7,941 tonnes during the previous year 2021-22.
Mr. Siddaramaiah also announced a subsidy of ₹12 crore annually to raw silk reelers in coordination with Karnataka Minority Development Corporation (KMDC).
He said loans will also be given through KMDC along with training through Sericulture Department to financially support silk reelers belonging to the minority communities.
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