India Targets 60,000-Tonne Silk Production By 2030-31, Eyes Global Leadership By 2028-29

Bengaluru, Sep 22 (KNN) India is targeting silk production of 60,000 tonnes by 2030-31 and aims to become the world’s largest silk-producing country by 2028-29, as the government seeks to expand sericulture, improve quality and strengthen the sector’s global competitiveness.

Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh said India’s silk production has increased from around 26,000 tonnes in 2014 to 42,000 tonnes currently, with the government now focusing on raising productivity and farmers’ incomes.

Farmer Income Targeted At Rs 10-12 Lakh

Speaking at the Central Silk Board (CSB) Founders’ Day in Bengaluru, Singh said the government plans to increase silk farmers’ annual income to Rs 10 lakh-Rs 12 lakh.

Production is expected to be raised by increasing mulberry leaf availability and the number of cocoon-rearing cycles, while improved technologies and hybrid varieties are being taken to farmers.

Singla said high-productivity silkworm varieties and modern machinery are being introduced to achieve the 60,000-tonne production target.

AI, GIS To Support Quality, Productivity

The government is also seeking to improve the quality of Indian silk in line with international market requirements.

Padmini Singla, Joint Secretary (Silk), Ministry of Textiles and Vice-Chairperson, Central Silk Board, said artificial intelligence (AI), geographic information systems (GIS) and machine learning will be deployed to strengthen quality testing and improve production.

Singh also stressed the need to take technologies developed by scientists, improved hybrid varieties and modern machinery directly to farmers.

India Eyes Larger Global Market Share

The Textiles Minister said rising international demand for Indian silk, along with reports of declining production in China, could create an opportunity for India to expand its share of the global silk market.

The government is promoting high-density production methods and modern technologies to align domestic output with global export standards and reduce dependence on imports.

MSMEs To Receive Government Support

Union Minister of State for MSME Shobha Karandlaje said Karnataka is India’s leading silk-producing state, with the government focusing on infrastructure development and strengthening the sector.

Entrepreneurs registered as MSMEs are also being supported through subsidies and government schemes aimed at improving product quality and modernising production.

The government said these measures are intended to strengthen the domestic silk ecosystem while creating opportunities for higher production, farmer incomes and exports.

(KNN Bureau)