BANGALORE: Silk production this year has touched 900 tonnes, the highest so far. If the trend continues, in another five to 10 years the demand gap of 9,000 tonnes annually can be bridged and imports reduced, says H. Bhaskar, chairperson, Silk Mark Organisation of India, and member secretary, Central Silk Board.

Speaking to presspersons at an event held here on Friday to celebrate the first anniversary of the launch of the "Silk Mark" for silk fabrics and clothing, he said silk production in the country last year was 600 tonnes. "We cannot compete with China, which is ahead by 10,000 tonnes, but we can certainly become more competitive if our own silk production keeps going up," he remarked.

Bangalore will be hosting, between December 15 and 18, the Indian Silk Conference supported by the France-based International Sericulture Commission, Dr. Bhaskar said. Close to 200 traders, scientists and sericulturists are expected to attend the event. "We will try to use this forum to make the `Silk Mark' for pure Indian silk globally acceptable," he said.

Quality issues and any special markings needed for silk blends and different kinds of silk used for clothing or furnishing are likely to be discussed at the conference, he said. The global market for Indian silk can grow with better quality standards.

Vandana Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of Silk Mark Organisation of India, said the "Silk Mark" will guarantee quality and ensure that only natural silk fibre is used. Wider use of the "Silk Mark" tag will prevent consumers from being cheated. Since the launch of the mark in Bangalore last year, launches have taken place in Mumbai and Chennai and more recently in Hyderabad, she said.

`Silk Mark' users

Of the 260 member/users of "Silk Mark," the largest number are in Chennai, followed by Bangalore. Between April and August this year, 80 new members were enrolled, she said. All silk products, including saris that reach the consumer, could carry the label. Manufacturers of twisted silk yarn, raw silk and grey fabrics could also use the mark so that manufacturers can source them with confidence.

Another benefit will be on the export front. The labels themselves are being made more secure and tamper proof with holograms, she added.

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