The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Silk Board. The partnership aims to implement Agroforestry in the silk sector, aligning with the ongoing Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF) Scheme. Previously, the Indian government allocated a budget of Rs. 2161.68 crores for the period from 2017 to 2020 under the ‘Silk Samagra’ Central Sector Scheme to foster sericulture development across the nation.
Convergence Model for the Silk Sector
The convergence model has been crafted to incentivize farmers to adopt sericulture-based Agroforestry models, thus contributing to the “Make in India” and “Make for the World” vision of the Prime Minister. This strategic partnership will not only provide faster returns for growers but also support the production of a wide range of silks that have put India on the global map.
Under this model, the Central Silk Board (CSB), a statutory body instituted in 1948, will promote Agroforestry within the silk sector. The collaboration targets an increase in the number of sericulture host plants such as Mulberry, Asan, Arjuna, Som, Soalu, Kesseru, BadaKesseru, Phanat, and more. These are intended to be cultivated as both block and peripheral plantations on farmlands.
Significance of the Initiative
By planting sericulture-based tree species and rearing silkworms, farmers can tap into additional income sources, supplementing their regular earnings from agriculture activities. This initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision to double farmers’ income by 2022.
About the Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF) Scheme
Initiated in 2016-17, the SMAF scheme is implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation, and Farmers Welfare (DAC & FW) following the recommendations of the National Agroforestry Policy 2014. Remarkably, India was the first country to launch such an overarching policy at the World Agroforestry Congress in Delhi in February 2014.
Currently, the scheme is operative in 20 states and 2 Union Territories that allow liberalized transit regulations for timber transport. The scheme encourages farmers to plant multi-purpose trees alongside agricultural crops for increased climate resilience and additional income. It also supports wood-based and herbal industries by providing enhanced feedstock.
Funding and Beneficiaries of the SMAF Scheme
The funding for the SMAF scheme is split in a 60:40 ratio between the Central and State governments. However, for the North East Region, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Union Territories, the ratios differ. The Central government offers financial support to farmers to cover up to 50% of the actual cost of the interventions. Farmer groups, co-operatives, and Farmer Producers Organizations can also apply for the programme’s benefits, adhering to the norms set for individual farmers.
Additionally, farmers must hold a soil health card to qualify for the programme’s benefits.
Other Initiatives for Farmers
Apart from SMAF, several other initiatives cater to farmers’ needs and interests, such as the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, National Food Security Mission, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, and more.
About Agroforestry
Agroforestry is a land use system where trees and shrubs are integrated on farmlands and rural landscapes to boost productivity, profitability, diversity, and ecosystem sustainability. It comprises a dynamic, ecologically based, natural resource management system.
About Sericulture
Sericulture, an agro-based industry, is the practice of rearing silkworms for silk production – the yarn extracted from the cocoons spun by certain insect species. The key activities in sericulture include food-plant cultivation to feed the silkworms, reeling the cocoons to unwind the silk filament, and processing and weaving the yarn for value addition.
Silk Production in India
India boasts the production of five major types of commercially important silks obtained from different species of silkworms – Mulberry, Oak Tasar & Tropical Tasar, Muga, and Eri. South India leads the silk production in the country, hosting renowned silk-weaving hubs like Kancheepuram, Dharmavaram, and Arni.
