(a) the various types of Silk produced in the country during the last three years indicating the growth rate thereof; State-wise;
(b) the position of India in the World Silk production;
(c) whether the Government has taken any steps to improve the production of Silk in the country in the coming years; and
(d) if so, the details thereof;
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES (SHRI E.V.K.S. ELANGOVAN)
(a) The variety-wise Silk production and the growth rate in the country for the last three years over the first year of Xth plan (2003-04 to 2005-06) are given in Annexures I and II.
(b) India stands second in the World Silk production and contributes approximately 13% of the total World Raw Silk production.
(c) &(d) Yes Sir. With a view to increase the production of raw silk, an additional area of about 50,000 hectares of plantation is proposed to be raised during the XI Plan, apart from implementing the ongoing schemes, which have helped in increasing the silk production and productivity so far. Govt. intends to achieve raw silk production target of 26,000 MT at the end of Xth Plan (at 8% growth rate) which includes production of 5,000 Metric Tonnes of superior quality Bi-Voltine raw silk.