Indian sericulturists have been affected by the Government’s decision to reduce the duty on import of silk from 31 percent to 5 percent through its 2011-12 Budget.

The move has led to a decline in the price of cocoons, which has currently come down to Rs. 160 per kg, compared to Rs. 300-400 per kg about a year ago.

The market transactions have dwindled and the supply of cocoons has also reduced in several silk markets across the country.

This has severely impacted the livelihood of reelers and sericulturists, who have been dependent on silk reeling for generations. In fact, it has become difficult for them to continue reeling due to low supply of cocoons.

As a result, several reelers have become debt-ridden and are unable to buy fertilizers for mulberry cultivation.

Even the promises of financial assistance given by some State governments have not yet been implemented.

Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand are the major Indian States engaged in sericulture.

Source: fibre2fashion.com