SALEM: The State has registered significant growth in cocoon production and mulberry cultivation in the financial year ending March 31.

Farmers in the State produced 7,930 tonnes of cocoon during the year: the 2005-06 figure was 5,225 tonnes.

Mulberry

The area under mulberry crossed 25,000 acres, compared to 16,000 acres in 2005-06.

This marks a nearly 64 per cent increase, according to Sericulture Commissioner Harmander Singh.

In order to sustain the growth, the department plans to adopt the cluster development approach to promote sericulture among farmers.

"We have more than 100 technical service centres.

Of them, 43 have been selected to promote sericulture under the cluster development approach. The department will provide guidance to the clusters," the Commissioner says.

The raw silk reeling capacity has gone up to 1,550 basins.

"In addition, 303 new basins are being established.

Increasing the reeling capacity is important as it will help create a competitive market for the cocoon in the State and to sustain its price," he says.

About 55 to 60 per cent of cocoon produced in the State is now being sent to Karnataka.

"If more reeling units are established, farmers can sell the cocoons here itself."

"We are encouraging youth to start new reeling units by giving them guidance, training and subsidy. We are helping the revival of closed private units," the Commissioner adds.

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