Bengaluru: India has set a target to increase annual silk production to 60,000 metric tonnes by 2030-31, with Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh stating that the government aims to elevate India to the No. 1 position globally in silk production by 2028-29.
Singh made the remarks at the 77th Foundation Day of the Central Silk Board (CSB) and an exhibition of silk products and technologies in Bengaluru.
India’s Silk Production Rises From 26,000 to 42,000 Tonnes
According to the Union Textiles Minister, India’s annual silk production has increased from 26,000 metric tonnes in 2014 to 42,000 metric tonnes currently.
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The government’s next production target is:
- 60,000 metric tonnes by 2030-31
- Global No. 1 position in silk production by 2028-29, as stated by the minister
Singh said improving mulberry leaf yields and increasing cocoon-rearing cycles could help raise annual farmer incomes to ₹10 lakh–₹12 lakh.
Karnataka Leads India’s Silk Production
Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje said Karnataka holds the leading position in India’s total silk production.
She said the government is focusing on infrastructure and industrial development in the sector, including the adoption of:
- Modern sericulture technologies
- High-density production methods
- Quality improvement measures
- Infrastructure for the silk industry
The government is also encouraging entrepreneurs to register under the MSME framework and access subsidy and quality-improvement schemes.
AI, GIS and Machine Learning to Support Sericulture
The Central Silk Board is also looking at technology-led interventions to increase production and improve silk quality.
Proposed technology interventions include:
- High-yielding silkworm hybrids
- Modern machinery
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Geographic Information System (GIS)
- Machine Learning (ML)
Padmini Singla, Joint Secretary (Silk), Ministry of Textiles, said these technologies are being integrated to support quality inspection and improve production capacity.
‘Best Silk Farmer’ Awards Proposed
Giriraj Singh also called for ‘Best Silk Farmer’ competitions at the district, state and national levels.
The proposed awards are intended to encourage competition among sericulture farmers and recognise outstanding performance in silk production.
The minister also stressed the need to ensure that innovations developed by scientists, improved hybrid varieties and modern machinery reach farmers directly.
Central Silk Board Marks 77th Foundation Day
The 77th Foundation Day event was attended by silk farmers and weavers from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu.
During the programme:
- The Central Silk Board exchanged MoUs with various organisations.
- Appointment letters were distributed to 28 scientists.
- Awards were presented to outstanding employees and stakeholders.
- Publications and periodicals of the Board were released.
The government said strengthening the entire value chain—from sericulture and cocoon production to reeling and weaving—remains a key focus as India seeks to expand its silk industry and strengthen market opportunities for farmers and weavers.
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