(a) the quantum of silk imported during each of the last three years;
(b) the details of new projects and developments made through mechanized practices that were set-up during last year;
(c) the details of the initiatives and funds released towards the productivity of silk for West-Bengal during the previous three years; and
(d) the total number of beneficiaries from Silk producing villages/districts in West Bengal during the previous three years?
MINISTER OF TEXTILES
(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)
(a): The quantum of silk imported during last three years is given below:
Year Import of raw silk (Metric Tonnes)
2017-18 3712
2018-19 2785
2019-20 3315
(b): The details of new projects and developments made through mechanized practices in sericulture during last year are given at Annexure.
(c): Ministry of Textiles, Government of India through Central Silk Board has taken following initiatives towards productivity of silk in West Bengal during last three years:
• Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute (CSR&TI), Berhampore, West Bengal is functioning along with Regional Sericulture Research Station at Kalimpong & Research Extension Centre at Mothabari to address the Research & Development activities related mulberry sericulture.
• A regional Office of Central Silk Board is located at Kolkata to co-ordinate with states for implementation of schemes & issues related to silk sector.
• Research Extension Centres at Kapistha (for tasar) & Coochbehar (for Muga) are functioning to facilitate Tasar & Muga sericulture.
• Three Basic Seed Farms (P2 (Two),P3 (one)), Two Silkworm Seed Production Centres and a Basic Seed Multiplication and Training Centre for tasar are functioning to cater the silkworm seed requirement.
• A Regional Silk Technological Research Station of Central Silk Board is functioning at Malda to look after the needs of silk reeling, weaving & processing industry in the state.
• As per Department of Sericulture, West Bengal state proposal, funds of Rs. 603.68 lakhs has been released during last three years under Central Sector Scheme “Silk Samagra” for the development of silk industry in the state.
(d): The total number of beneficiaries covered in Silk producing villages/districts in West Bengal during the previous three years is 2446 under Silk Samagra scheme.