Sericulturists oppose amendments to CSB Act

Kolar, Karnataka, Nov 29 (UNI) The troika of globalisation, liberalisation and privatisation now seems set to run over the Sericulture industry which will be badly affected once the provisions of the recently introduced Central Silk Board (Amendment) Act 2006 comes into force.

According to leaders of silk farmers in Karnataka, which was the largest producer of raw silk in the country, the centre's move to bring amendments with regard to the open transactions policy of the Central Silk Board (CSB) would have dire implications for the industry and of course, the farmers.

The amendment, providing for ''an open environment'' for transactions in silk cocoons was moved in Parliament on September 13. After it got the presidential okay. Certain changes were made to the CSB rules 1948.

Speaking to UNI Mr G C Byyareddy, General Secretary of Karnataka Ryota Sangha and a silk farmer from Kolar District said changed rules say there would be no restrictions on sale distribution storage and transporation of cocoons. Thus, people can buy and sell cocoons anywhere and farmers need not come to the market. Till now, cocoons have been traded through auctions in government markets in front of officials and farmers.

However, CSB Chairman H Hanumanthappa, allaying fears by sericulturists that the provisions would hit them badly, says that the new rules would benefit the silk industry and considerably enhance the production.

The draft rules of amended act, now being circulated to state governments to elicit their opinion, would also be discussed with farmers before it was notified. 95 per cent of sericulturists were in support of the amendments, he claimed.

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