India's raw silk output grew from 31,906 metric tons during the 2017-18 period to 38,913 metric tons in the 2023-24 period

What is Sericulture?

Sericulture refers to the cultivation of silkworms for the production of silk. Silkworms are primarily fed on the leaves of mulberry, oak, castor, and arjun trees. After approximately one month, the silkworms spin cocoons, which are subsequently harvested and boiled to facilitate the extraction of silk. The silk threads are then drawn out, twisted into yarn, and woven into fabric.

Silk Production in India

India ranks as the second-largest producer and consumer of silk in the world. Silk constitutes merely 0.2% of the global textile production. The country is known for producing four varieties of natural silk: Mulberry, Eri, Tasar, and Muga. The leading silk-producing state in India is Karnataka, followed by Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. The export value of silk and silk products increased from ₹1,649.48 crores in 2017-18 to ₹2,027.56 crores in 2023-24. According to reports from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS), India exported 3,348 MT of silk waste in 2023-24. Silk waste comprises remnants or substandard silk generated during production, including broken fibers and fragments of cocoons.

Raw Silk Production

Mulberry vs. Non-Mulberry Silk

Mulberry silk is derived from silkworms that exclusively consume mulberry leaves. This type of silk is characterized by its softness, smoothness, and lustrous appearance, making it ideal for luxury sarees and premium fabrics. Notably, 92% of the nation’s total raw silk production is sourced from mulberry. In contrast, non-mulberry silk, also referred to as Vanya silk, is produced by wild silkworms that feed on leaves from trees such as oak, castor, and arjun. This silk has a more natural, earthy texture, exhibiting less shine but offering strength, durability, and eco-friendliness.

Government Initiatives in Silk Development

The Silk Samagra Scheme aims to enhance production by improving both quality and productivity while empowering marginalized, impoverished, and underprivileged families through various sericulture activities across the nation. This initiative comprises four key components:

1. Research and Development, Training, Technology Transfer, and IT Initiatives,

2. Seed Organizations,

3. Coordination and Market Development, and

4. Quality Certification Systems (QCS), along with Export Brand Promotion and Technology Upgradation.

Sericulture Development in the North-Eastern States (NERTPS) focuses on the revival, expansion, and diversification of sericulture in the region, particularly emphasizing Eri and Muga silks.

The Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC), established by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, serves as the leading organization for exporters, manufacturers, and merchandisers. Its primary functions include market exploration, establishing connections with potential buyers, organizing buyer-seller meetings, silk fairs, and exhibitions, resolving trade disputes, and promoting the growth of the Indian silk industry and its exports.