India’s Raw Silk Production Reaches 34,042 Metric Tonnes from April to January
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Synopsis
India's raw silk production has surged to 34,042 metric tonnes in the April-January 2024-25 period, reflecting a significant increase from 24,299 metric tonnes recorded in 2014-15. This growth is attributed to various government initiatives and schemes aimed at enhancing the silk industry.
Key Takeaways
- 34,042 metric tonnes of raw silk production in 2024-25.
- 10,000 tonnes increase from 2014-15.
- Projected 80.90 lakh jobs in the silk sector.
- Implementation of Silk Samagra-2 scheme with Rs 4,679.85 crore funding.
- Central assistance of Rs 1,075.58 crore to states.
New Delhi, April 1 (NationPress) India's raw silk production is projected to reach 34,042 metric tonnes during the April-January timeframe of 2024-25, marking an increase of nearly 10,000 tonnes compared to the 24,299 metric tonnes recorded in the same period of 2014-15, as reported to Parliament on Tuesday.
The surge in raw silk output can be attributed to the successful implementation of Central schemes, including the Catalytic Development Programme, North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS), Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry, Silk Samagra, and Silk Samagra-2, as stated by Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita in a written response to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
Margherita also noted that the silk sector is expected to generate 80.90 lakh jobs based on the raw silk production figures until January 2025, comprising 71.2 lakh direct jobs and 9.7 lakh indirect jobs.
The introduction of 109 Automatic Reeling Machines in the country has significantly boosted the production of international grade (3A and 4A) silk, the minister mentioned.
Furthermore, the government, via the Central Silk Board, is executing the Silk Samagra-2 scheme with an allocation of Rs 4,679.85 crore aimed at the comprehensive advancement of the sericulture industry from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
This scheme provides financial support to states for implementing various beneficiary-oriented initiatives, including the establishment of kisan nurseries, comprehensive silkworm rearing packages (covering assistance for plantation, irrigation, rearing houses, equipment, and preventive measures), and the development of chawki rearing centres in the pre-cocoon sector, as well as support for the silk reeling, spinning, weaving, and processing sectors.
To date, central assistance amounting to Rs 1,075.58 crore has been allocated to states, benefiting approximately 78,000 individuals under Silk Samagra-2, encompassing both pre and post cocoon activities and machinery aimed at enhancing the sustainability of the sericulture sector.
Additionally, advancements in research and development have led to improved silk production and productivity, aligning with the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the silk industry.
Based on state proposals, central assistance of Rs 72.50 crore has been allocated to Andhra Pradesh and Rs 40.66 crore to Telangana for the implementation of beneficiary-oriented components under Silk Samagra-2 over the past three years, including the current year.
