Bumper trade for sericulture

Statesman News Service

MALDA, 2 DEC: Farmers in sericulture sector are happy with the present market price of silk cocoon in the district. At present the rate of 40 kg cocoon is Rs 6,500 to Rs 6,800 in Kaliachak cocoon market, based on its quality. The rate of this winter crop was Rs 3,500 (per 40 kg) last year.

The deputy director, textile, sericulture division in Malda, Mr S Das said: “We are really surprised about the high rate this year and it is beyond our calculation and theory as to how the rate of cocoon has increased this year when the rate of production is higher than the last year's (aghrayani) crop. Seri farmers are so happy with the present market price”.

According to him, the estimated production of cocoon is more than 45 metric ton in aghrayani crop season. Last year the production of such crop was 40 per cent less than the present production. The traders who are engaged in production of silk yarn are buying cocoons from Kaliachak cocoon market paying high price and are starting reeling yarn.

Since 20 November the cocoons are being sold off in Kaliachak and themarket would last up to 7 December. This is for the first time, producers from Murshidabad and Birbhum districts are coming here to sell cocoon in Kaliachak market, controlled by the sericulture department, Mr Das claimed.

The department has started to maintain records as it is becoming difficult to keep track on the number of farmers coming here and the quantity of cocoons that are being sold every day in the market to asses the actual production of this district and adjoining areas.

To avoid any kind of miscalculation in the measurement system, the sericulture department has provided five electronic balances replacing country balance system following grievances of the small farmers and has planned to provide more electronic balance in the next crop (Falguni) season.

The department has appointed part time workers from local self-help groups for measuring cocoons so that farmers are not deprived.

The deputy director Mr S Das said: “Nearly 90 percent of total silk yarn produced in Kaliachak will be exported to southern states in the country”.