Government Policies for the Silk Sub-sector
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC) has formulated its fiveyear
strategy plan for 2005 - 2009. There are four strategic issues for silk
handcrafted development, which are discussed below.
Strategy 1: Local silk yarn promotion
For local silk production the MOAC will emphasize the following:
• Promote sericulture as an occupation for farmers, particularly in the
Northeast where there is a strong tradition of sericulture and where there are
limited alternatives for income generation.
• Preserve and protect the Thai silk handcrafted sector as a national asset.
• Encourage an increase of production of silk yarn so that domestic demand
can be met with less dependence on imports.
Strategy 2: Improving standard of silk yarns and silk products
For product improvement the MOAC will emphasize the following:
• Increase productive efficiency by providing good varieties of mulberry,
silkworm and transferring technology to producer groups.
• Reduce cost of production by developing proper knowledge and good
management.
• Conduct research work by developing high-yield (mulberry, silkworm),
modern technologies for Thai silk product, reeling and weaving equipment
suiting local conditions.
• Strengthen farmer groups who have special knowledge for production.
• Develop production models for niche market products.
• Establish a basic standard system for local Thai silk yarn.
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Basic Sub-sector Features
Strategy 3: Diversity of silk products development
To ensue diversity of silk product development, the MOAC will prioritize the
following:
• Develop diversity of silk products in terms of products, patterns, and
packaging.
• Improve production technologies as well as modern, flexible design
methods, so producers can respond quickly to changes in fashion and
consumers’ needs.
• Establish both short term as well as long term product R&D for all supply
chain and marketing of silk handcraft sectors, in response to future market
developments.
• Promote and protect local wisdom by establishing property rights in terms of
brands, licenses, provincial and geographic characteristics, etc.
Strategy 4: Promote and strengthen Thai silk handcrafted sector
To ensure the promotion and strength of the sector the MOAC will emphasize
the following:
• Join road shows and exhibitions in the country as well as internationally to
introduce and distribute unique Thai silk products to these markets.
• Develop recognized brands for unique Thai silk products to reinforce
consumer confidence.
• Promote Thai silk products as both natural and environmentally friendly
products.
• Improve the efficiency of logistic systems of each respective silk handcraft
sector supply chain.
• Collaborate and setup silk cluster networks both in