As per DGCIS, Kolkata reports, during 2023-24, 3348 MT of silk waste was exported from the country.

The major silk products which is being imported from other countries is raw silk, and not the value-added products made up of silk waste.

To utilize the silk waste/spun silk indigenously, 3 Spun silk mills at Assam, BTC and Manipur are under establishment by the respective State Governments. Additionally, small spinning machines like Miniature spinning mill, Motorized cum Pedal operated spinning machine are also being supported under Silk Samagra-2 scheme.

To produce P1 basic seed, scientific & technical expertise is the prerequisite. Maintenance of genetic purity of the silkworm breeds and its foundation crosses for true-to-type traits is a meticulous process and which is essential to carry & retain breed characters for subsequent generations to produce quality seeds. Hence, P1 basic seed is produced at the level of Central Silk Board and State Government, to ensure proper breed maintenance and to avoid genetic deterioration.

However, Central Silk Board is promoting registered private entrepreneurs for bivoltine seed cocoon production from P1 seeds and production of commercial silkworm seeds for supply to famers.

As on date, 342 number of Registered Seed Production (RSP) (private entrepreneurs) involved in commercial mulberry silkworm seed production and 5652 number of Registered Seed Cocoon Producers (RSCP) are engaged in mulberry seed cocoon production.

The mulberry cultivation area has increased from 2,19,819 Hectare in 2014-15 to 2,63,352 Hectare in 2023-24. Since there is no decline in cultivation areas. 

Declaration of Special Sericulture Zone (SSZs) matter comes under the purview of State Governments and so far, no such proposals have been received from State Governments.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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DHANYA SANAL K

(Lok Sabha US Q2972)

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