India’s silk industry continued its growth trajectory in FY 2023–24, producing 38,913 metric tonnes (MT) of raw silk and exporting silk products worth ₹2,027.56 crore, as per data released by the Ministry of Textiles. With these figures, India has reinforced its position as the world’s second-largest producer and largest consumer of silk.
Key Highlights (2023–24)
| Indicator | 2017–18 | 2023–24 |
| Raw silk production | 31,906 MT | 38,913 MT |
| Mulberry plantation area | 2,23,926 ha | 2,63,352 ha |
| Silk/silk goods exports | ₹1,649.48 crore | ₹2,027.56 crore |
| Silk waste exported | — | 3,348 MT |
- Karnataka emerged as top contributor, producing 32.3% of India’s total silk.
- India accounted for 18% of global silk production, second only to China . China is world’s largest silk producer (≈80% of global production).
Sericulture in India: From Silkworm to Silk Fabric
Silkworm Rearing: Silkworms fed mulberry leaves (or oak, castor, arjun for Vanya silk or Non‑Mulberry).
Cocoon Formation: Larvae spin cocoons over ~30 days.
Cocoon Processing: Cocoons are boiled to soften sericin; filaments unwound to produce silk threads; silk threads extracted;
Yarn & Fabric Formation: Threads twisted into yarns & woven into luxury fabrics.
Types of Silk in India
| Type | Description | Share |
| Mulberry silk | From mulberry-fed silkworms; soft, shiny, luxurious. | 92% of India’s raw silk |
| Non-mulberry silk (Vanya) | From wild silkworms feeding on oak, arjun, castor; earthy, durable. | Produced in Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Northeast |
- Major Mulberry States: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal
- Major Non‑Mulberry/Vanya Silk States: Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, North-Eastern States
Silk’s Economic Significance
- High-value, low-volume: Silk contributes just 0.2% to global textile output.
- Rural Employment: A key livelihood source in developing countries.
- Foreign Exchange: Export of silk goods adds to India’s trade earnings.
Governing Bodies
Central Silk Board (CSB)
- Est. 1948; under Ministry of Textiles;
- HQ: Bengaluru
- Mandate: Promote sericulture, R&D, improve silk quality, and expand domestic & export markets
Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC)
- Est. 1983
- Sponsored by Ministry of Textiles;
- Apex body for silk exporters, manufacturers, & merchandisers
Major Government Schemes for Silk Sector
Silk Samagra Scheme
Aim: Holistic development of sericulture
Components:
- R&D, training & tech transfer
- Seed organization support
- Market development
- Quality certification & export branding
Silk Samagra-2 (2021–2026): ₹4,679.85 crore allocated
- ₹1,075.58 crore released so far; 78,000+ beneficiaries
- Andhra Pradesh: ₹72.5 crore | Telangana: ₹40.66 crore (past 3 years)
Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS)
- Modified Yarn Supply Scheme
- Ensures affordable quality yarn to handloom weavers
- FY24: 340 lakh kg yarn supplied
National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP)
- Integrated support to silk & handloom weavers
- Focus: Raw materials, design, technology, marketing, infrastructure
Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SAMARTH)
- Training program for new entrants & upskilling in textiles
- Extended to FY 2025–26 | Budget: ₹495 crore | Target: 3 lakh people
India in Global Silk Landscape
| Country | Global Share |
| China | ~80% |
| India | ~18% (2nd largest producer & largest consumer) |
| Others | Uzbekistan, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil |