India’s Raw Silk Production Sees Growth; Employment In Sector Rises

India’s raw silk production reached 34,042 metric tonnes (MT) by January 2025, reflecting a steady increase, Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

Over the past ten years, raw silk production in the country has grown by 9,743 MT, aided by various government schemes aimed at boosting sericulture.

Several central initiatives, including the Catalytic Development Programme (CDP), North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS), Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry (ISDSI), Silk Samagra, and Silk Samagra-2, have played a crucial role in this expansion.

As of January 2025, the silk sector has generated employment for approximately 80.9 lakh individuals.

This includes 71.2 lakh people in direct employment and another 9.7 lakh engaged in indirect roles.

The deployment of 109 Automatic Reeling Machines (AMRs) has further contributed to producing high-quality silk (3A and 4A grade), enhancing India’s standing in the global silk market.

In response to a query on 26 March, the minister detailed the implementation of the Silk Samagra-2 scheme, which has been allocated ₹4,679.85 crore for the development of sericulture from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Under this initiative, financial aid is provided to states for field-level interventions such as setting up kissan nurseries, silkworm rearing facilities, irrigation support, rearing equipment, and infrastructure for silk processing.

So far, Rs 1,075.58 crore has disbursed to states, benefiting around 78,000 individuals engaged in both pre- and post-cocoon activities.

Additionally, ongoing research and development efforts have improved silk production efficiency, aligning with the broader goal of making India self-reliant in the silk sector.

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