Karnataka to fix MSP for cocoon

The Karnataka government is planning to fix a minimum support price (MSP) for locally grown cocoon to check cheap silk imports from China and other southeast Asian countries. Minimum support price for locally grown cocoon is expected to be fixed at Rs 100 per kg.

The state government is planning to provide farmers from 24 mulberry growing districts with special packages of seeds, pesticides and other inputs at subsidised rates.

"This subsidy can be availed by only those families who hold at least an acre of farmland and cultivate mulberry. The Karnataka government has received Rs 25 crore under the Central scheme and funds will be mobilised for assistance to take up drip irrigation and modern methods of mulberry cultivation," said Karnataka sericulture minister C Channigappa.

The government is also working on a Rs 36-crore package to upgrade infrastructure in cocoon markets located in the state.

Channigappa said the government is to take up upgradation of Jamkhandi, Mudhol and Belgaum markets this year.

Markets of Siddlaghatta in Kolar district and Ramanagaram in Bangalore Rural district will also be upgraded to global standards by utilising the Rs 68-crore loan from the Asian Development Bank.