Now, state can produce imported quality silk

BANGALORE: The Central Silk Technological Research Institute Director, Dr Arindam Basu, said that international quality silk can be ingeniously produced in the state. This will help the government reduce its import quantity from China.At a sensitisation programme on production of high-grade raw silk using Indian Cocoons organised by the Institute, Basu said, “The CSR Bivoltine variety of cocoons developed after ten years of research by Indian and Japanese scientists yield silk that is as good as any Chinese variety that is certified to be international grade.” He added that, “The seven private entrepreneurs who recently set up silk production units with imported technology and subsidy of Rs. 75 lakh, each given by the institute, have started producing raw silk that is similar to the silk that is being imported from China.”Basu also said that though there is a demand for 30,000 tonne of silk in the country, only 10,000 tonne is being  manufactured. The recent development would reduce the imports of silk by augmenting the local production and save a lot of foreign exchange.Around 25 export houses and 50 power loom owners participated in the programme.