What does the state’s silk and livestock sector get? New silk parks and veterinary infrastructure announced

Government announces multiple initiatives to strengthen Karnataka’s silk industry and livestock sector, including new silk parks, higher transport support for cocoons, livestock welfare schemes, veterinary infrastructure and farmer support programmes.

In a major focus on agriculture-linked sectors, the Karnataka government has announced several initiatives in the 2026-27 State Budget to strengthen sericulture and animal husbandry. The announcements aim to support farmers, improve production, expand infrastructure and promote livestock welfare across the state.

Karnataka continues to hold a dominant position in the country’s silk industry. The state accounts for 46 percent of India’s total silk production, making it the silk capital of the country. To strengthen the sector further, the government has extended financial support for various activities required for sericulture development. Over the last three years, ₹531 crore in subsidies has been provided to nearly two lakh beneficiaries. This support has helped farmers set up facilities such as reeling sheds and drip irrigation units, which are crucial for improving silk production.

The state has also achieved a major milestone in modernising silk markets. Karnataka has become the first and only state in India to introduce fully cashless and digital transactions in 15 major cocoon markets. These markets now operate with e-auction systems, digital payments and electronic transaction platforms, making trading more transparent and efficient.

In another step to support farmers, the government has decided to increase the transport subsidy for cocoons produced in North Karnataka districts. Farmers who sell their cocoons in government cocoon markets will now receive ₹20 per kilogram as transport assistance, which is an increase from the earlier ₹10 per kilogram.

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To boost the silk industry further, the government will take steps to establish silk parks in Ramanagara, Shidlaghatta, Haveri, Tandavapura in Mysuru district and Kalaburagi. Additionally, Chawki rearing centres will be set up in available land belonging to the sericulture department in selected locations. These centres will be established with the participation of farmer entrepreneurs and farmer producer organisations to improve silk worm rearing practices.

The state has also announced several measures to strengthen the animal husbandry sector. When the current government assumed office, milk was being collected from 8.75 lakh producers at a rate of 81.78 lakh litres per day. At present, the collection has increased significantly. About 9.07 lakh milk producers are now supplying nearly one crore litres of milk daily. The government has also cleared pending incentive payments to dairy farmers. So far, ₹4,523 crore has been distributed as incentives, including ₹609 crore that was previously pending.

Under the Anugraha scheme, compensation provided for the accidental death of sheep, goats and cattle has been increased. Through this initiative, ₹101 crore has already been distributed to 1.70 lakh beneficiaries.

The government has also implemented the Karnataka Traditional Nomadic Shepherds (Welfare Measures and Protection from Atrocities) Act, 2025. As part of the implementation, identity cards have been issued to 6,702 shepherds so far, helping them receive welfare benefits and legal protection.

To strengthen veterinary infrastructure, the government has already initiated the construction of new buildings for 300 veterinary institutions since coming to power. In the 2026–27 financial year, 100 additional veterinary hospital buildings will be constructed with support from NABARD.

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Special schemes have also been designed to promote livestock farming in certain regions. In the Belagavi and Kalaburagi divisions, the government plans to encourage sheep and goat rearing by supporting 10,000 beneficiaries with a 25 percent subsidy to establish sheep and goat units. Similarly, another 10,000 beneficiaries will receive a 25 percent subsidy to purchase cows or buffaloes to strengthen dairy farming. For these programmes, ₹40 crore has been allocated in the current financial year.

Efforts are also being made to expand specialised veterinary services. The existing district-level expert veterinary service system is being extended to the taluk level. As part of this initiative, 20 taluk veterinary hospitals have already been upgraded into polyclinics, and during the current year 15 more taluk hospitals will be upgraded at a cost of ₹10 crore.

The government has also announced measures to improve local livestock breeds. A Boer goat breeding centre will be established in Mysuru to help improve goat breeds. In addition, the Bandur sheep breeding centre at Kampalapura in Periyapatna taluk will undergo comprehensive development.
To address reproductive health issues among livestock, the government will organise ‘Phaladhare’ camps in 1,000 gram panchayats under the slogan “One Calf Per Year.” These camps will be conducted with an allocation of ₹5 crore to improve breeding management among cattle.

In a significant step towards improving veterinary diagnostics, CT scanning centres for animals will be established for the first time in the state. These centres will be set up in the veterinary hospitals attached to veterinary colleges in Bengaluru and Bidar to help detect diseases in animals more accurately.

The government has also announced a new initiative to tackle the stray dog problem scientifically. To ensure effective implementation of animal birth control programmes, advanced technical training will be provided to veterinarians and veterinary students. For this purpose, Dog Birth Control Training Centres will be established in Bengaluru and Bidar.

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