Mysuru's High-Tech Cocoon Market Construction Set for June Start After Delays
Construction of a permanent building for a high-tech cocoon market in Mysuru is scheduled to begin in June, marking a significant step forward for the region's sericulture industry. The project, which was announced by the Karnataka government in the 2025–26 Budget, faced initial delays due to land identification, transfer procedures, and other administrative hurdles.
Overcoming Project Hurdles
All obstacles related to the commissioning of the project have now been cleared, including the transfer of 2.18 acres of land identified near Hosahundi, close to the APMC premises at Bandipalya. The Department of Sericulture has confirmed that construction will commence in June following the completion of ground preparations and remaining approvals.
The project has been prioritized due to the increasing arrival of cocoons at the Mysuru APMC market, which has doubled over the past seven years. The existing facility at Bandipalya, established by the sericulture department on a rented plot measuring 80 x 37 feet in 2019, is struggling to handle the growing volume. Currently, it can manage only two to three tonnes of cocoons per day, leading to congestion and inefficiencies.
Revival of Sericulture in the Region
Mysuru and Chamarajanagar, once renowned for sericulture, are witnessing a notable revival. Government initiatives to promote sericulture under various schemes in the district have led to expanded cultivation areas and increased cocoon production. Approximately 36,731 farmers are engaged in sericulture across nearly 14,000 hectares, including 4,000 hectares in Mysuru district alone.
In response to the demand for a modern facility, the state government approved the project at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore and granted both administrative and financial sanctions. The project is being implemented in the home district of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Sericulture Minister K Venkatesh, highlighting its political and economic significance.
Features of the New High-Tech Market
Deputy Director of Sericulture R Nagendrappa outlined the advanced facilities that will be included in the new market:
- Restrooms and overnight accommodation for farmers from other districts
- Cold storage to preserve cocoon quality
- Dedicated staff and CCTV surveillance for security
- Electronic weigh scales for accurate measurements
- Live e-auctions and digital payment systems for transparency and efficiency
Nagendrappa emphasized that the new market will benefit both reelers and farmers involved in silk production. Once operational, it will be capable of handling six to nine tonnes of cocoon arrivals per day, significantly improving capacity and operations.
Support and Expectations from Stakeholders
Attahalli Devaraj, District Organising Secretary of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, welcomed the project, stating that it will promote open auctions of both bivoltine and multivoltine silk cocoons, support the local silk industry, and boost production. He urged the sericulture department to complete the project within the stipulated deadline to maximize benefits for farmers and reelers.
The project's advancement follows directions from District Nodal Secretary and senior IAS officer R Selvakumar to expedite the process, ensuring that the long-awaited facility becomes a reality to support the thriving sericulture sector in Mysuru.
