"... Export Promotion Councils and the Ministry of Textiles should develop a focused strategy for market expansion and product diversification to facilitate better market access and greater value realization for our products. ..."

The Indian Silk Export Promotion Council is very much concerned to achieve the recommendations of various working groups of this conclave particularly the estimated export target of US $ 55 billion total, of which silk will have its share of about US $ 1.65 billion in 2011-2012.

We have 4 ½ years to achieve this. A compared growth rate of 10% per annum will see this target achieved.

As you might have observed that the main markets for silk- both the USA and the Europe, arc presently not doing well; however, expected to turn the corner by the end of this calendar year.

By the time you read this message a few new names in the team of administration would have joined, and 1 extend my hearty welcome to them. Council has recently participated in a trade fair in Dusseldorf and conducted a Buyer-Seller-Meet in London, it is very much unfortunate to note that both the events have met with not good response. Lack of demand is the main reason for our unimpressive performance. I do hope in due course the markets become receptive to Indian textile and particularly for silks.

Although, it is not disastrous in the current year, it is disheartening to note that a lot of production capacity .it the production centres remain idle and the ISEPC is very much concerned about reversing the trend. The marketing efforts are continuing and I am particularly happy to note that exporters are very much interested in participating in Indian Trade Fairs like IHGP and Tex-styles India. I would appreciate your positive comments to improve the situations.

In spite of all these difficulties, we can achieve the target to a certain extent provided Government of India. Textile Ministry and Commerce Ministry comes to the rescue of the silk exporters. Our sericulture Industry is Agro based. Rural based industry where 60% of women folks are working in the 60,000 villages. Scriculture and Silk Weaving, is therefore “Gram Udyog ” and should come under the "Vishesh Krishi & Grama Udyog Yojna". We are time and again requesting the Government of India to bring the silk industry and its exports under purview of the above Yojna; but still it is not implemented. So we urge the Government to implement our suggestion at the earliest.

My advance best wishes and greetings for Dassera and Diwali. With regards,

Yours sincerely,

T.V. Maruthi
Chairman