Silk in India: A Glance into the Past, Present, and Future
Silk has been an essential part of India’s rich culture since ancient times, representing royalty and prosperity. The Indian silk industry has made significant contributions to domestic and international markets, evolving from a flourishing industry during the Mughal era to the world’s second-largest producer of silk after China.
India has a long history of silk production, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. However, it was during the Mughal era that silk production became a thriving industry patronized by the rulers. Regions like Bengal, Assam, and South India were the major silk-producing areas in ancient times.
Today, India is the world’s second-largest producer of silk after China, accounting for around 18% of the world’s silk production. The country’s silk exports have grown over the years and significantly contributed to India’s foreign exchange earnings.
One of the key initiatives that have contributed to the growth of the Indian silk industry is the Silk Samagra scheme. The scheme aims to promote sericulture, silk processing, and silk trade. As a result, the silk production in India has increased from 28,523 metric tons in 2015-16 to 37,793 metric tons in 2019-20.
Despite growth, challenges persist in the Indian silk industry like competition and rising prices. Yet, the government aims to enhance quality and encourage indigenous silk products. The industry spans various regions, with key clusters in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jammu & Kashmir, each renowned for specific silk types like Mysore, Kanchipuram, and Tussar silk.
The Silk Mark label, launched by the Central Silk Board, ensures pure silk products. It boosts consumer trust and sales. Government efforts like Silk Samagra and Make in India drive industry growth and rural employment. Indian silk symbolizes cultural heritage and economic strength, aided by government initiatives despite challenges. The future looks promising with ongoing support.
