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The Magic of Indian Silk

Last updated on April 12th, 2025 Posted on April 12, 2025 by NEXT IAS Current Affairs Team  219

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. 
life cycle of moth

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. 
raw silk production

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.
share of silk type in india total silk production

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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