CPI (M) State secretary G. Ramakrishnan on Saturday urged the Centre and the State government to increase the grant for silk farmers and expand the scope for sericulture as the prices of silk yarn and zari had increased .
In a statement here, he said 3 lakh handloom weavers and 10,000 powerloom weavers were facing difficulties because of the hike.
Shortage of silk in Karnataka is said to be one of the reasons for the situation, he added. Mr. Ramakrishnan said the government should waive the 30 per cent duty on silk imported from China.
It should also distribute silk yarn directly to the weavers.
Financial aid
He also wanted Rs 2000 financial assistance to weavers suffered by monsoon and hike in the price of silk yarn.
