In order to develop the sericulture sector in the country, the Indian Government has implemented various schemes through Central Silk Board (CSB). Apart from development of sericulture, Government has also implemented schemes for the betterment of lives of jute workers. This was underlined by the Union Textiles Minister Smriti Zubin Irani in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Indian Parliament.
The Government is providing an assured market to the jute sector under the Jute Packaging Materials Act (JPM), 1987. Under this Act, Government has mandated that 90 per cent of food grains and 20 per cent of sugar be packed in jute bags. Apart from this, the National Jute Board (NJB) has been implementing several measures for the benefit of workers, artisans and small producers and for promotion of the jute industry. To extend marketing support to the artisans, small and micro entrepreneurs, the Government is emphasizing on organizing jute fairs in India and abroad.
For silk sector, Catalytic Development Programme (CDP) had also been initiated in various states with an aim to incentivize investment among stakeholders to enhance production, productivity and quality of silk. The components under the CDP envisaged strengthening and creation of silkworm seed infrastructure, development of farm and post-cocoon infrastructure and creation of better marketing facilities to ensure remunerative price to primary producers.
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Consequent upon closure of CDP with effect from 2015-16, Government through Central Silk Board has been implementing a restructured Central Sector Scheme, viz. ‘Integrated Scheme for the Development of Silk Industry’ for development of sericulture industry in various states including Tamil Nadu, focusing on intervention in critical areas such as Feed, Seed, Breed, Post Cocoon Technology and Capacity Building.
