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The Magic of Indian Silk

Context

The article discusses the significance of sericulture in India, focusing on silk production’s economic role and its contribution to rural employment.

Introduction to Silk and Its Significance

• Silk is an important part of India’s history, tradition, and art.
• Indian silk sarees, such as those from Kanchipuram and Bhagalpur, reflect the country’s rich culture.
• The craftsmanship behind these sarees is passed down through generations of artisans.

Sericulture Process

• Sericulture refers to farming silkworms to produce silk.
• Silkworms are raised on leaves from mulberry, oak, castor, and arjun trees.
• After about a month, silkworms spin cocoons which are boiled to extract silk threads.
• These threads are twisted into yarn and woven into fabric, turning simple silkworms into valuable silk.

Economic Role of Silk in India

• India is the second-largest producer and the largest consumer of silk globally.
• Mulberry silk is produced in several states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
• Non-mulberry silk, also known as Vanya silk, is produced in states like Jharkhand and Orissa.
• Silk production supports rural employment and contributes to foreign exchange.
• Silk accounts for only 0.2% of the world’s textile production but plays a vital role in economic development.

Growth of India’s Silk Market

• India’s silk production has steadily increased, from 31,906 MT in 2017-18 to 38,913 MT in 2023-24.
• The area of mulberry plantations grew from 223,926 ha in 2017-18 to 263,352 ha in 2023-24.
• Silk exports increased from ₹1,649.48 crores in 2017-18 to ₹2,027.56 crores in 2023-24.

Government Schemes Supporting Silk Development

• The Silk Samagra Scheme aims to improve silk production by enhancing quality and productivity.
• The scheme includes research, training, technology transfer, seed organizations, market development, and quality certification.
• Silk Samagra-2, with a budget of ₹4,679.85 crores, extends these efforts.
• Other supporting schemes include the Raw Material Supply Scheme and the National Handloom Development Programme, which help weavers and silk fabric producers.
• The Scheme for Capacity Building in the Textile Sector, SAMARTH, aims to train 3 lakh people.

Conclusion

• The growth of India’s silk industry is supported by various government schemes.
• These efforts help farmers, weavers, and rural families, ensuring India’s silk industry thrives.
• With further support, India can become a global leader in silk while preserving its traditional silk-making practices.