Law To Regulate Silkworm Seed Production

New Delhi, Sep 21 (UNI) A new law given effect to streamline the Central Silk Board working will help prevent entry of untested silk-worm seed hybrids from other countries, the Law and Justice Ministry said today.

The enactment which took effect from September 14 after its approval by President APJ Abdul Kalam entails creation of a mechanism to regulate silk-worm seed, a Ministry statement said.

The new law empowers customs officials to inspect export and import consignments and non-adherence to standards in silk-worm seeds has now become punishable, the statement said.

It is intended to ensure quality standards for silk-worm seed production, drawing a line against its ''unauthorised production and trade,'' the statement said.

Sericulture has traditionally flourished in India under a regulated trade regime with restrictions on imports and exports.

But in recent years, globalisation has necessitated measures to regulate the production, supply, distribution, trade and commerce in silk-worm seeds, the statement said.

UNI MJ RP KN1708