The Centre is discussing with the states on ways to make certified seeds available to jute farmers so that they can meet the diversified demand from industry, Textile Minister Smriti Irani said today.
Tariq Anwar (NCP) raised the issue of closure of jute mills in Bihar's Katihar district and 40-day wages not being paid, during the Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha.
Irani said Agriculture Minister Radhamohan Singh and the Textile Ministry have held discussions yesterday and would meet representatives from the state of Bihar and West Bengal to understand their concern.
"Industry wants diversified products but the jute crop quality does not support the diversification. Farmers do not have access to certified seeds and we are trying to reach certified seeds to jute farmers," Irani said.
K H Muniyappa (Cong) drew Irani's attention towards the domestic silk industry in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
"The import duty on silk has been reduced and this is causing sufferings for farmers. I demand that import duty on silk should be increased," he said.
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