'Hindupur Silk' benefits from Coronavirus outbreak

Amid the global health crisis due to the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus in China, several restrictions including imports of tons of silk have been imposed on the country. At a time when global silk industry is facing a slump in demand in the wake of Coronavirus outbreak, 'Hindupur Silk' sourced from Ananthapuram district in Andhra Pradesh is thriving.

Ananthapuram (Andhra Pradesh): Right from the beginning of 2020, China's monopoly over the silk sector registered a slump, owing to the Novel Coronavirus outbreak. Several countries have imposed restrictions on the imports, resulting in the decline in demand for silk and silk products.

However, this particular slump has become a blessing in disguise for the silk farmers of Ananthapuram district in Andhra Pradesh. The 'Hindupur Silk' sourced from the area is thriving and the farmers are ecstatic over the sudden change in fortunes.

Reacting to the unexpected demand for their yarn in the market, the farmers, while speaking to ETV Bharat, attributed the same to the ban on Chinese Silk.

"Earlier, we used to sell 'Bivoltine' silkworm at Rs 400, but now the market price is hovering around Rs 613. The sales for 'Hindupur Silk' have increased, along with the quantity of production, the latter of which rose from 4 to 6 tonnes," farmers said.

In this context, the farmers sought to highlight their plight that, earlier, the governments turned a deaf ear to their requests for abolishing import of Chinese Silk in India and not initiating preventive measures.

"Due to the current ban, we are in profit and are back in competition. The situation after lifting the ban could be deplorable," the farmers remarked, recollecting the government's apathy.