State and central government initiatives to strengthen sericulture sector in Andhra Pradesh

Introduction

Silk is considered one of the most luxurious textiles globally, admired for its unmatched elegance, natural luster, excellent dye absorption, lightweight nature, smooth texture, and exceptional durability. Often referred to as the "Queen of Textiles," silk not only holds a special place in fashion and culture but also serves as a significant source of livelihood. Its production is labor-intensive, requires relatively low investment, and offers substantial returns, making it an important sector for rural employment and economic development in agrarian economies like India. The industry's ability to generate employment through both on-farm and off-farm activities has drawn the attention of policymakers, who regard it as a vital contributor to socioeconomic growth. India holds a unique position as the only country in the world producing all five commercially known types of silkmulberry, tropical tasar, oak tasar, eri, and muga. Among these, muga silk, famous for its natural golden sheen, is exclusive to India. Mulberry sericulture is predominantly practiced in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kasmir, which are the leading silkproducing states. The North Eastern region of India is distinct as it is the only area producing four varieties of silkmulberry, oak tasar, muga, and eri-and contributes about 18% to the country's total silk output. During 2023-24, India produced 38,913 metric tonnes (MT) of silk, with the following distribution: www.extensionjournal.com Policy Measures for the Growth of the Silk Industry Sericulture, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Textiles, involves a combination of agricultural and industrial activities. The process encompasses on-farm operations, which are seasonal, and off-farm activities that require expertise in insect rearing, handling, and disease management. This sector supports the livelihood of over 9 million people, predominantly in rural areas, and requires robust strategic planning, implementation, and monitoring.

National Silk Policy

This policy outlines the vision, mission, and strategies for advancing the silk sector. It serves as a model that can be adapted by individual states to enhance sericulture development.

Sericulture under RKVY

Recognized as an allied agricultural activity under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), allowing farmers to access financial support for all stages of sericulture, including reeling.

Quality Standards in Silkworm Seed Production

The Government of India has amended the Central Silk Board (CSB) Act, Rules, and Regulations to enforce strict quality control in silkworm seed production.

Forest Conservation Act Amendment

This amendment classifies non-mulberry sericulture as a forest-based activity, enabling farmers to rear wild silkworms (Vanya silk) in natural host plantations within forests.

Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese Raw Silk

To protect domestic producers, an anti-dumping duty of USD 1.85 per kg has been imposed on imported Chinese raw silk (Grade 3A and below) as per DGAD notification dated 4 December 2015.

CDP-MGNREGA Convergence

Guidelines have been issued jointly by the Ministry of Textiles (MoT) and the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) to integrate the Catalytic Development Programme (CDP) with MGNREGA, allowing sericulture farmers to access benefits under the employment guarantee scheme.

Central silk board

The Central Silk Board (CSB) is a statutory body established in 1948 through an Act of Parliament. It operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, with its headquarters located in Bengaluru. The Chairperson of the Board, appointed by the Central Government, holds a rank not lower than that of a Joint Secretary. The Board consists of 39 members, whose appointments are made in accordance with the provisions of the CSB Act, 1948. The vision of the CSB is to position India as a global leader in the silk industry. To achieve this vision, the Government has been implementing an Integrated Scheme for the Development of the Silk Industry (ISDSI), popularly known as "Silk Samagra", since 2017-18. This scheme focuses on the following four major components:

Government Support

To ease the financial burden on farmers and promote sustainable livelihoods, the Andhra Pradesh government provides extensive support, including: Financial assistance for mulberry cultivation. Subsidies for constructing rearing sheds and supplying equipment.

Distribution of disinfectants for on-farm activities.

Incentives for bivoltine cocoon production and raw silk processing.

To encourage the post-cocoon sector, subsidies are also provided for setting up Automatic Reeling Machinery (ARM), multi-end reeling, and twisting units. These initiatives have enabled the production of International Grade 3A and above Bivoltine Raw Silk at competitive prices.

The state boasts several traditional silk weaving hubs such as Dharmavaram, Hindupur, Narayanavanam, Venkatarigi, Jammalamadugu, Proddutur, Uppada, Peddapuram, and Kodumur, renowned for their heritage silk sarees and fabrics.

With strong government measures and Central Silk Board support, Andhra Pradesh has successfully reduced dependence on silk imports, especially from China. Moreover, the price of bivoltine hybrid cocoons has risen from ₹350/kg to ₹650/kg, ensuring better farmer remuneration.

Goal

To create sustainable livelihoods for farmers and stakeholders through sericulture activities.

Mission

To produce superior-quality bivoltine cocoons for the manufacture of international-standard bivoltine raw silk.

Strategies

Expanding mulberry acreage through RBKs (Rythu Bharosa Kendras). Implementing drip irrigation across mulberry fields. Promoting the chawki rearing concept via CRCs (Chawki Rearing Centres). Adopting a cluster approach for pre-and post-cocoon activities.

Incentivizing chawki, cocoon, and raw silk production.

Establishing automatic reeling units to produce Grade 3A and above raw silk.

Organisational Structure

The Markets to ensure transparent and fair transactions between sericulture farmers and silk reelers.

Promotion of Bivoltine Cocoon Production

Transitioning CB (Cross Breed) cocoon producers to Bivoltine cocoon farming by conducting workshops, training programs, and exposure visits. Aim: To increase the production of international-grade raw silk through improved cocoon quality.

Supply of Bivoltine Chawki Worms

Supplying 100% Bivoltine Chawki worms instead of DFLs (Silkworm eggs) to farmers. This measure enhances cocoon quality, productivity, and ensures production of 3A and above international-grade raw silk using ARMS (Automatic Reeling and Management Systems).

Enhancement of Productivity Targeting an increase in

Bivoltine cocoon productivity to 75 kg per 100 DFLs through the adoption of new technologies.

Encouragement of Local Cocoon Consumption

Promoting the installation of Automatic and Multi-end Reeling Machinery to process locally produced cocoons. This initiative supports farmers while enabling production of premium-grade raw silk.

Empowerment of SC & ST Families

Providing 90% financial assistance to SC and ST families to create sustainable livelihoods through sericulture activities.

These initiatives collectively aim to modernize sericulture practices, enhance productivity, ensure fair pricing, and improve the socio-economic status of rural communities dependent on this sector. The rearing duration at the farmer's level is reduced to 17-18 days. This leads to improved cocoon yield in both quality and quantity.

Present status

Installation of Turbo Ventilators & Cooling Systems

Turbo ventilators and cooling systems are being installed in rearing sheds. These help maintain the required temperature and humidity during silkworm rearing, ensuring better cocoon production.

Adoption of Shoot Rearing System

The shoot rearing method saves time and reduces labor requirements by nearly 40% during late-age rearing. Mulberry leaf consumption is reduced by 15-20%. This technology is widely embraced by farmers due to its efficiency.

Tree Mulberry Plantation

Tree mulberry cultivation is being promoted to address drought and low irrigation challenges, ensuring sustainable leaf production.

E-Governance Initiatives in Sericulture

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Financial benefits to farmers and silk reelers are transferred directly through CFMS/PFMS systems. E-Marketing of Cocoons: Online auctioning ensures transparency and competitive pricing.

Provides equal opportunities to all silk reelers (buyers).

Creates a global platform for cocoon transactions. Andhra Pradesh is the second state in India, after Karnataka, to introduce this system.

Implementation of E-Marketing System in Cocoon Markets

The government operates eight cocoon markets throughout the year (except on Republic Day and Independence Day).

Advantages

Transparent auction process.

Competitive and better prices for farmers.

Equal access for all buyers.

Sericulture Development through Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs)

Village Sericulture Assistants (VSAs) at RBKs are actively involved in expanding mulberry cultivation.

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