India:Silk Board dispels concerns over amendments in CSB Act
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2006-11-27 15:55:00
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Bangalore: The Central Silk Board (CSB) has sought to allay concerns over the recent amendments to the Central Silk Board Act, which aims to open up silkworm seed production, CSB Chairman Mr H. Hanumanthappa said here on November 23.
The act will ensure better quality seeds to farmers that will result in better yield of cocoons.
Currently, the production of silkworm seeds is under controlled regime and CSB will open up silkworm seed production to a large number of players and provide linkages between the seed coon producers and egg producers to upgrade the quality of seeds produced.
The CSB dispels concerns over the amendments as it would harm silk growers' interests, while the current exercise was to ensure sufficient quantity of quality and certified seeds for the farmers.
Further, textiles ministry will bring into effect a National Silkworm Seed Regulatory Authority (NSSRA) taking into consideration the existing State Act in seed regulation in order to provide for an all-India quality certification and testing body.
India annually produces about 16000 tons of raw silk, while consumption exceeds 25000 tons and the shortfall is mostly met through imports of raw silk, mainly from China.
Silk producing States such as Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir have largely agreed to the draft new rules incorporating the recent amendments.
However, some stakeholders have expressed concerns over the amendment to the CSB Act.
Source: Industry Website