India's Jharkhand seeks support to enhance sericulture

16 Jan '14

2 min read

The eastern Indian state of Jharkhand is seeking professional help to enhance sericulture in the state with the aim of increasing silk production to meet the demand for silk in the country.

The Jharkhand Silk Textile and Handicraft Development Corporation Ltd (Jharcraft), an undertaking of the government of Jharkhand, has been granted Rs. 100 million in order to purchase cocoon to enhance sericulture in the state, reports Business Standard quoting PTI.

Jharkhand Chief Secretary RS Sharma has asked Jharcraft to make extensive efforts for achieving growth in the sector, and to seek professional assistance to expand knowledge on market prospects, proper marketing strategy, risk management, security mechanism and other important aspects in this sector.

The Chief Secretary advised Jharcraft to take up a comprehensive study on cocoon production, especially stressing on alternative ways to purchase cocoon.

On his part, Jharcraft managing director Dhirendra Kumar said China produces 90,000 metric tons (MT) of silk, whereas India produces 23,000 MT per annum.

The state of Jharkhand can help in enhancing the production of silk in the country as it is the sole supplier of certified organic tasar silk in the world, he added.

The Jharcfraft official said the immediate aim was to meet with the country’s deficit silk demand of 10,000 MT and produce more silk.

In October 2013, Textiles Minister K Sambasiva Rao had announced that the Government would provide an assistance of up to Rs. 10 billion to Jharcraft for pursuing the promotion of livelihood in sericulture, as well as increasing silk production in the state.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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