President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on March 29 signed decree on creation of UzbekIpakSanoat association, which is intended to fundamentally improve the silkworm breeding industry in Uzbekistan.
As noted in the commentary to the document, the mulberry plantations in the country are not utilized efficiently, and in the winter period the yield of mulberry trees drops sharply. Due to the insufficient production of raw materials, the production capacities of silk-winding and silk-weaving enterprises are not fully utilized.
Today, over 80 million linear plants and 51,000 hectares of mulberry plantations ensure the food to silkworm caterpillars in the volume of 450,000 boxes and the production of nearly 26,000 tons of silkworm cocoons. About 230-250 thousand boxes of silkworm mulberries are imported annually to cover the deficit, or 50% of the needs of the industry.
Silkworms are still bred in living premises. The lack of necessary conditions and insufficient financial incentives for cocoon breeders do not allow achieving high yields and quality. District-based and inter-district enterprises - Pilla, receiving and conducting initial processing of cocoons, are equipped with worn out equipment.
Reforming and comprehensive development of the silk industry provides for the establishment of an integrated technological chain ensuring intensive development of the forage reserve, improving the processes of cocoon feeding and harvesting, introducing efficient methods of production and deep processing of cocoons, raw silk and silk yarn, And increase of export potential.
UzbekIpakSanoat is called to resolve the existing problems. It will consist of five regional.
In 2017-2021, it is planned to implement program measures to develop the silk industry, conduct a unified scientific, technical, technological, investment and export strategy, provide all-round support and improve the legislation. A special working group has been created to this end.
The resolution provides for granting until January 1, 2023 of tax benefits to firms producing cocoons of silkworms, as well as customs privileges for imported material and technical resources.
It is expected that by 2021 the total output of silkworm cocoons will be increased by 50%, with the creation of new jobs and an increase in exports.
