India Witnesses Steady Growth in Raw Silk Production and Exports Over Six Years
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Synopsis
India's raw silk production has steadily increased from 31,906 metric tonnes in 2017-18 to 38,913 metric tonnes in 2023-24. Exports have also surged significantly during this period, reflecting a strong demand for silk products.
Key Takeaways
- Raw silk production increased from 31,906 MT to 38,913 MT.
- Mulberry plantation area expanded from 223,926 hectares to 263,352 hectares.
- Silk exports rose from Rs 1,649.48 crore to Rs 2,027.56 crore.
- Government schemes like 'Silk Samagra' support the industry.
- India is the second largest silk producer globally.
New Delhi, April 14 (NationPress) India’s raw silk production has shown consistent growth, increasing from 31,906 metric tonnes (MT) in 2017-18 to 38,913 MT in 2023-24. During the same period, export figures also saw a significant rise.
This positive trend is driven by the expansion of mulberry plantations, which grew from 223,926 hectares in 2017-18 to 263,352 hectares in 2023-24. Consequently, mulberry silk production increased from 22,066 MT in 2017-18 to 29,892 MT in 2023-24, according to the latest government statistics.
The overall raw silk production rose from 31,906 MT in 2017-18 to 38,913 MT in 2023-24. The export of silk and silk products surged from Rs 1,649.48 crore in 2017-18 to Rs 2,027.56 crore in 2023-24.
According to reports from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS), India exported 3348 MT of silk waste during 2023-24.
Furthermore, the production of raw silk is projected at 34,042 metric tonnes for the period of April to January in 2024-25, reflecting an increase of nearly 10,000 tonnes compared to 24,299 metric tonnes during the same timeframe in 2014-15.
India ranks as the second-largest producer of silk globally and is also the largest consumer. The primary production of mulberry silk occurs in states such as Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir, and West Bengal, while non-mulberry silks are harvested in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and the northeastern states.
Mulberry silk is derived from silkworms that exclusively consume mulberry leaves. It is characterized by its softness, smoothness, and shiny appearance, making it ideal for luxurious sarees and high-end fabrics. Approximately 92 percent of India’s total raw silk production stems from mulberry.
Non-mulberry silk, also referred to as Vanya silk, originates from wild silkworms that feed on leaves from various trees such as oak, castor, and arjun. This type of silk has a more natural and earthy feel, with less shine but notable strength, durability, and eco-friendliness.
Government initiatives are vital for the advancement of the silk industry in India. These programs offer financial assistance and resources for various sericulture-related activities.
The 'Silk Samagra' scheme is a significant government initiative aimed at enhancing the sericulture industry across India. Its goal is to boost production by improving quality and productivity while empowering marginalized, poor, and backward families through various sericulture activities.
The 'Silk Samagra-2' program is an extension of this initiative, with a budget of Rs 4,679.85 crore allocated for the duration of 2021-22 to 2025-26.
To date, Rs 1,075.58 crore has been allocated in central assistance, benefiting over 78,000 individuals. Financial support has been directed to Andhra Pradesh (Rs 72.50 crore) and Telangana (Rs 40.66 crore) over the past three years to facilitate the 'Silk Samagra-2' components, according to government data.
