(a) whether the Central Silk Board proposes to start contract farming to encourage the
popular varieties of silk on the lines of multinational companies;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the States in which the contract farming of silk is being
undertaken;
(c) whether the silk producers have opposed contract farming of silk; and
(d) if so, the reaction of the Union Government thereto?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)
(a): Central Silk Board has no commercial operations but it would encourage strengthening of
linkages between producers and the industry in line with the National Textile Policy 2000, and in
this regard, facilitate corporates or large reelers in contract farming so as to help farmers to get
remunerative and stable prices.
(b): So far, no large units have entered into any contract farming arrangements with farmers.
(c) & (d): No case of protests from any manufacturer has come to the notice. Farmers may,
however, be apprehensive as to the implications of contract farming. Extension, facilitation and
advice is being provided to State Governments so as to examine and elucidate the manner in
which linkages between producers and the industry can be advantageously established for both.