From Sericulture to a masterpiece: The magic of Indian Silk
Silk is a thread that connects India’s history, tradition and art. From the rich, bright colors of Kanchipuram sarees to the earthy beauty of Bhagalpur Tussar, every silk saree tells a story.
It is not just clothing, but a symbol of India’s diverse & vibrant soul, weaved together through silk.
India is the 2nd largest silk producer & also the largest silk consumer in the world. In India, mulberry silk is produced mainly in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir and West Bengal, while the non-mulberry silks are produced in Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Orissa and north-eastern states.
Silk is a high value but low volume product accounting for only 0.2 % of world's total textile production. Silk production is regarded as an important tool for economic development. The developing countries rely on it for employment generation, especially in rural sector and also as a means to earn the foreign exchange.
India's Silk Market Overview
India's raw silk production grew from 31,906 MT in 2017-18 to 38,913 MT in 2023-24
The growth is supported by the expansion of mulberry plantations from 223,926 ha in 2017-18 to 263,352 ha in 2023-24, boosting mulberry silk production from 22,066 MT in 2017-18 to 29,892 MT in 2023-24
Raw silk production rose from 31,906 MT in 2017-18 to 38,913 MT in 2023-24
Exports of silk and silk goods rose from ₹1,649.48 crores in 2017-18 to ₹2,027.56 crores in 2023-24
DGCIS reports India exported 3348 MT of silk waste in 2023-24
Notably, the government schemes play a crucial role in the growth of India’s silk industry, such as:
The Silk Samagra Scheme to improve the sericulture industry across India. It aims to scale up production by improving the quality and productivity and to empower downtrodden, poor & backward families through various activities of sericulture in the country.
Raw Material Supply Scheme: To make available quality yarn & their blends to the eligible Handloom weavers at subsidized rates. Total 340 lakh kg of yarn has been supplied during FY2023-24.
National Handloom Development Programme: Aiming to support weavers in the handloom sector, the scheme provides support for raw materials, design, technology upgrades, and marketing through exhibitions. Additionally, it helps create permanent infrastructure benefiting weavers both within cooperatives and in Self-Help Groups.
Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector Scheme: A demand-driven and placement-oriented program, focusing on entry-level training, as well as upskilling and reskilling in Apparel & Garmenting, handloom, handicraft, silk, and jute.
These schemes have helped improve the quantity and quality of raw silk produced, contributing to the growth of the silk industry in India.
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