Surging Silk, Mega Event Held in New Delhi

Buniyaad Tasar Silk Reeling Machines were distributed to women reelers from tribal areas at a function organised by the Ministry of Textiles and Central Silk Board in New Delhi last evening. The distribution of the machine is part of total eradication of the age old practice of thigh reeling and to ensure rightful earning to the poor rural and tribal woman reelers in Tasar silk sector. The machine developed by Central Silk Technological Research Institute in association with an entrepreneur from Champa in Chhattisgarh will improve the quality and productivity of Tasar silk yarn and reduce the drudgery of women. It is planned to eradicate thigh reeling and replace it with Buniyaad reeling machine by end of March 2020.

Woman reelers using the  traditional method earn approximately Rs.125/- per day while a Tasar reeler using Buniyaad machine can earn Rs.350/- per day. The machine is priced at Rs.8,475/- per unit excluding taxes and transportation charges.

During the event, best achievers of silk industry across various segments of seri culture were honoured. Awards were also given to the best performing states.A mobile application e-cocoon was launched for quality certification in silkworm seed sector.A compendium on Indian silk industry and state sericulture profile was also released on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swarajassured the Textiles ministry to provide all support for promoting global trade of silk. She said that silk is a strong commodity and there is a huge demand for it in the international market. Talking about the popularity of Indian silk saree, Swaraj said her counterparts during the United Nations General Assembly meetings, often ask about the wide variety of colour, pattern and different designs of these fabrics.  Swaraj said that the efforts of Textiles Minister to eradicate thigh reeling in Tasar sector with Buniyad machines clearly demonstrates her concern for the  women folk and will certainly help improve the socio-economic conditions of tribal families engaged in the production of silk. The External Affairs Minister urged  the Textiles  Ministry to strive for eliminating the practice of thigh reeling this year by distributing these equipment.

Union Minister of Textiles Minister Smriti Zubin Iraniin her address said that silk production has increased by 41 per cent since 2013-14. The Textiles Minister said the Buniyad reeling  machine will not only rid the woman reelers of the painful practice of thigh reeling but also enhance their income and help them live a dignified life. Smriti Zubin Irani said that the mobile app e-cocoon will help quality certification in silk worm sector. She informed that the mobile application will be used by the Seed Analysts and Seed Officers nominated under Central Seed Act for system and product certification through real time reporting. Besides covering a large number of stake holders – registered seed producers (RSP) and Registered Chawkie Rearers(RCR), the essentially required systems with the RSP, RCR and silkworm  eggsand the silkworm reared worms will be effectively monitored.

India is the second largest producer of silk after China and the largest consumer of silk. India’s silk production capacity is expected to reach about 38,500 tonnes by 2020 from the current level of 32,000 tonnes.