The Minister of Textiles, Shri Shankersinh Vaghela has called upon the silk industry to make innovative experiments in the areas of silk production.
Not only quality of the raw silk should be improved but variety of products should be added. Addressing on the occasion of the distribution of 20th Export Award Function organized by the Indian Silk Export Promotion Council last evening in New Delhi, Shri Vaghela said that the improvement of quality would lead to increase unit value realization and higher exports.
Assuring the silk sector, the Textiles Minister said that the Government will provide fullest cooperation to the sector specially for industry expansion and encouragement to marketing.
It might also consider for setting up of Silk Technology Mission on the pattern of Technology Mission on Cotton, he added.
The Minister said that while export is given priority for nation building the interests of indigenous silk producer is equally important. Lauding the role of Central Silk Board, he said, the Government would protect their interest and hoped that, in due course with the Central Silk Boards Contribution, India would be producing high quality raw silk and the need for imports will reduce gradually.
Highlighting employment potential in the silk sector, the Textile Minister said, silk is a value-added item and its significance is not just in value, but its role in creation of employment in the sericulture sector and the post-cocoon silk industry is very important.
When the silk exports increase, thousands of people should get employment in each sector, he added.
Shri Vaghela urged the silk industry to pay more attention and come forward in the filed of market research and development. The industrys response to the changing market demands should be quick and positive in the current comparative scenario, he added.
The function was also attended by the Minister of State of Textiles Shri E.V.K.S. Elangovan, the Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Shri D.P. Singh and by the Chairman of the Indian Silk Export Promotion Council, Dr Bimal Mawandia.
