According to the Ministry of Textiles, India has cemented its position as the world's second-largest silk producer & largest consumer, with silk product exports reaching Rs. 2,027.56 crore.
About Silk and Sericulture
- Silk is a natural protein fibre produced by silkworms, primarily from the Bombyx mori species.
- Sericulture is the cultivation of silkworms for the production of silk.
- Silkworms feed on mulberry, oak, castor, arjun leaves, and spin cocoons, which are processed into silk yarn & fabric.
- India is the only country that produces all 4 major varieties of natural silk. (Refer to table).
Factors for Sustained Growth in India
- Institutional Support
- Central Silk Board (HQ. Bengaluru): Statutory body under the Ministry of Textiles works for the inclusive development of sericulture.
- Silk Mark Organisation of India (SMOI): Certifies genuine silk products.
- International Sericultural Commission (HQ. Bangalore): It is UN-affiliated inter-governmental organization committed for global development of silk industry.
- Policy and Schemes
- Silk Samagra & Silk Samagra-2: Focus on research, quality improvement, & technology transfer.
- Raw Material Supply Scheme: Subsidized yarn supply to handloom weavers.
- Scheme for Capacity Building (SAMARTH): Skill development in silk, jute, handloom, garmenting; aims to train 3 lakh people (2024–26).
- Geographical Indications (GI): Kanchipuram Silk Saree (Tamil Nadu); Muga Silk (Assam); Mysore Silk (Karnataka); Bhagalpuri Tussar (Bihar) etc.
Types of Silk in India
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