Ranchi, Nov. 12: The Central Silk Board (CSB) has decided to increase the production of tussar by 10 times in Jharkhand, which already accounts for 75 per cent of the silk's total annual output across the country, in coming days.

CSB chairman K.M. Hanumantharayappa underlined the target during his visit to State Khadi and Village Industries Board on Ratu Road in Ranchi this morning.

He is on a 10-day trip to the state.

"Jharkhand produces around 2,100 MT of the country's 2,800 MT tussar every year. We want to increase the yield in Jharkhand further as climate is favourable here. For this, we are approaching farmers, asking them to come forward with their problems. They are also being given necessary training for the same," said Hanumantharayappa who assumed charge as CSB chairman on August 8.

Hanumantharayappa, who is also a sericulturist and weaver, added he would visit various parts of the state including Chaibasa, Chakradharpur, Deoghar, Dumka, Kharsawan, Hat Gamharia, Kathikund and Shikaripara to find out the problems being faced by tussar farmers.

He further said the board was making all efforts to stop import of silk from China.

"Currently, we import mulberry silk from China. But the board wants to stop the import and make all efforts to culture silk locally with the help of farmers in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Karnataka. For this, farmers are being provided subsidy to purchase necessary equipment,"Hanumantharayappa, who was also a member of CSB from 2000 to 2002, said.

Earlier, Hanumantharayappa participated in the morning prayer at the Khadi board office.

Yesterday, he had inaugurated a training programme at Hutar in Ranchi. Today, he left for Sikni in Latehar.