The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval for Central Sector Scheme "Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry" for the next three years from 2017-18 to 2019-20.A total allocation of Rs 2161.68 crore has been approved for the implementation of the Scheme for 3 years from 2017-18 to 2019-20. The scheme will be implemented by the Ministry through Central Silk Board (CSB).The Scheme has following four components - (i) Research & Development (R&D), Training, Transfer of Technology and I.T. Initiatives (ii) Seed Organizations and farmers extension centres (iii) Coordination and Market Development for seed, yarn and silk products and (iv) Quality Certification System (QCS) by creating amongst others a chain of Silk Testing facilities, Farm based & post-cocoon Technology Up-gradation, and Export Brand Promotion.The core objective of the scheme is to improve the productivity and quality of silk through R&D intervention. The focus of R&D intervention is to promote improved cross-breed silk and the import substitute Bivoltine silk so that Bivotine silk production in India enhances to such a level that raw silk imports become nil by 2020 thereby making India self-sufficient in silk.R&D interventions will include race improvement through development of improved host plant varieties and improved disease resistant silkworm breeds by having collaborative research with reputed National Research organizations like IITs, CSIR, 11Sc and international research institutes on Sericulture in Japan, China, Bulgaria etc.; Technological advancements with respect to pre cocoon and post cocoon sectors. Thrust will be given on technology upgradation and making mechanization affordable.Use of silkworm by-products (pupa) for poultry feed, sericin for cosmetic applications and product diversification into non-woven fabrics, silk denim, silk knit etc. will be given thrust for added value realisation.Under Seed Sector, Seed Production Units will be equipped and strengthened to bring in quality standards in production network, besides increasing the production capacity to cater to the increased silk production target. Support would be provided for adopted seed rearers to generate quality seed cocoons, private graineurs to produce quality seed and Chawki Rearing Centres (CRCs) with incubation facilities to produce and supply chawki worms. Other efforts will include setting up new Cold storage, providing mobile disinfection units and equipment support for mechanization.