People's Democracy

CPI(M) Demands Hike In

Customs Duty On Raw Silk

THE CPI(M) has demanded immediate steps from the central government to provide relief to the silk rearing farmers in the country who are facing a crisis with the steep fall in the price of raw silk. It has asked for increasing the customs duty of raw silk to 100 per cent from the existing 30 per cent and government intervention in the market through opening of purchasing centres.

In a letter to union minister for textiles, Kashi Ram Rana, dated July 19, S Ramchandran Pillai, leader of CPI(M) group in Rajya Sabha made these demands. He stated that the main reason for the present crisis facing the farmers was the huge imports of raw silk into the country. This has resulted in the fall of the price of cocoons from Rs. 180 to Rs. 60 per kg.  Purchasers of the cocoons are also disappearing from the  market. This has caused great hardship and miseries for the farmers.

He pointed out that silk rearing is a costly activity involving heavy investment and that the farmers have invested  huge amounts for silk rearing  and mulberry cultivation. By taking the suggested steps it can be ensured that the farmer gets at least Rs. 150 per kg of silk cocoons, felt S R Pillai.