Priority to promotion of sericulture along coast: Min

Mangaluru: Sericulture minister K Venkatesh said that priority will be given to promote sericulture in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Dakshina Kannada district-level ‘Reshme Krishi Mela’ organised by the sericulture department and Bharatha Agri Development FPCL at Vittal on Wednesday.

The minister said that until about 30 years ago, sericulture was widely practised in the coastal districts. However, with arecanut cultivation declining in the region, efforts will now be made to encourage sericulture as an alternative crop.

He said all necessary support will be extended to sericulture farmers, including free saplings, equipment, fertilisers and subsidies through the sericulture department.

“There is a vast difference between traditional sericulture practices and modern methods. Today, sericulture can be carried out easily with technical support. Those coming forward to take up sericulture in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi will also be provided technical assistance,” he said. Purchase centres and markets for silk cocoons will be established wherever required. Existing centres at Ramanagara, Sidlaghatta and Kollegal have already been developed. Farmers are also being provided transportation assistance of Rs 30 per kg for transporting silk markets, he added.

He further assured that additional officers and staff will be appointed to the sericulture department in Dakshina Kannada.

Referring to India’s rise in silk production, the minister said that Mysore Silk sarees continue to enjoy huge demand worldwide, and the current production is insufficient to meet market demand. The market price for silk cocoons currently ranges between Rs 600 and Rs 700 per kg, while farmers are reportedly earning profits of around Rs 300 per kg. In view of this, growers should increasingly focus on sericulture, he said.

Joint director of sericulture department, Prathibha BR, said the department has set a target of bringing 50 acres under sericulture cultivation in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. A subsidy of up to Rs 1 lakh is being provided for construction of sericulture sheds, besides subsidised equipment and machinery.