Indian Silk Experiences Boom

 The silk industry in India is experiencing a boom, with productivity levels improving and prices going up. According to the country's Central Silk Board (CSB) officials, productivity is entering a boom phase after a gap of 20 years.

"Both multivoltine and bivoltine silk production have gone up in the second half of this fiscal year. The introduction of new cross-breed silk worms in both multivoltine and bivoltine has increased productivity levels beyond expectations. The new variety, popularly known as "Kolar Gold," is expected to give 1 kilogram (kg) of yarn from 7 kg of cocoon, compared to 8.5 kg of cocoon earlier," a CSB spokesman said.

Production of raw silk (multivoltine and bivoltine) is expected to reach more than 15,000 metric tons in the 2003-2004 season, compared with 14,500 metric tons in the 2002-2003 season. Due to the imposition of an anti-dumping duty of 34 percent on Chinese silk imports, silk yarn prices have gone up to 1,200 Indian rupees per kilogram, up from 950 Indian rupees in early 2003 to 2004.

The CSB is currently introducing the new cross-breed silk worm across the country. In terms of productivity and prices, the 2004-2005 season would be one of the best years for the sericulture sector, according to the CSB.

February 2004