Syllabus: GS3/ Economy
Context
- India’s raw silk production increased from 31,906 MT in 2017-18 to 38,913 MT in 2023-24.
What is Sericulture?
- Sericulture is the process of farming silkworms to make silk.
- Silkworms are raised on mulberry, oak, castor, and arjun leaves. After about a month, they spin cocoons.
- These cocoons are collected and boiled to soften the silk. The silk threads are then pulled out, twisted into yarn, and woven into fabric.
Silk Production in India
- India is the second-largest producer and consumer of silk globally.
- Silk accounts for only 0.2 % of the world’s total textile production.
- India produces four types of natural silks; Mulberry, Eri, Tasar and Muga.
- Silk producing states: Karnataka is the largest silk-producing state in India, followed by Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
- Exports of silk and silk goods rose from ₹1,649.48 crores in 2017-18 to ₹2,027.56 crores in 2023-24.
- As per Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS) reports, the country exported 3348 MT of silk waste in 2023-24.
- Silk waste consists of leftover or imperfect silk from the production process, such as broken fibers or pieces of cocoons.
Mulberry Vs Non-mulberry silk
- Mulberry silk comes from silkworms that eat only mulberry leaves.
- It is soft, smooth, and shiny with a bright glow, making it perfect for luxury sarees and high-end fabrics.
- 92% of the country’s total raw silk production comes from mulberry.
- Non-mulberry silk (also known as Vanya silk) comes from wild silkworms that feed on leaves from trees like oak, castor and arjun.
- This silk has a natural, earthy feel with less shine but is strong, durable, and eco-friendly.
Government Initiatives in Silk Development
- The Silk Samagra Scheme: Its objective is 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. It has four major Components:
- Research & Development, Training, Transfer of Technology and I.T. Initiatives,
- Seed Organizations,
- Coordination and Market Development and
- Quality Certification Systems (QCS) / Export Brand Promotion and Technology Up-gradation.
- Sericulture Development in the North-Eastern States (NERTPS): The objective of this scheme was the revival, expansion, and diversification of sericulture in the state with a special focus on Eri and Muga silks.
| The Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC) – Sponsored by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, the ISEPC is an apex body of the exporters, manufacturers and merchandisers. – The main activities of the council are to explore markets, establish contacts with potential buyers, organize buyer-seller meets, silk fairs, and exhibitions, resolve trade disputes, and promote and develop the Indian silk industry and exports. |
Source: PIB
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