KADAPA: Commissioner of Sericulture C.S. Ramalakshmi on Thursday called upon farmers to take up sericulture and said women farmers were being extended 90 per subsidy for use of drip irrigation.

Addressing farmers at Venkatarampalle in Chintakommadinne mandal, after inspecting mulberry plantations and shed, she said sericulture ryots could achieve high yield by using qualitative tools and eggs.

The Government was extending subsidy of Rs. 7,500 for vermiculture, purchase of equipment and cultivation subsidy of Rs. 8,000, she said.

The Commissioner inspected a silk testing centre at Moolavanka. Regional Joint Director of Sericulture Raj Kumar, Assistant Director Chennakrishnamma, sericulture officials and farmers took part.

Mulberry farmers were exploited by private agencies in the past and silk exchanges benefited reelers and threshers, she said while inspecting a silk exchange at Proddatur.

The Proddatur exchange transacted business of Rs. 18 crores so far this year, which was unprecedented, she stated. The exchange provided livelihood to 10,000 persons, she said.

Cocoon centres

Ms. Ramalakshmi assured bank loans to small and marginal farmers to set up cocoon centres. Efforts were on to ensure mulberry cultivation in 2,000 more acres, in addition to 4,000 acres at present, she said.

An online information centre would be set up at Proddatur to help mulberry growers know the fluctuations in silk price. Insurance facility was extended to 1,877 beneficiaries, she said.

Loans to the tune of Rs. 6 crores were disbursed this year, she said.

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