India’s silk story is not just about tradition—it’s a tale of transformation and triumph. In 2023-24, the country produced 38,913 metric tonnes of raw silk and exported silk products worth Rs. 2,027.56 crore, solidifying its position as the world’s second-largest silk producer and top consumer, according to the Ministry of Textiles. Backed by government schemes like Silk Samagra, which has already benefitted over 78,000 individuals, India’s silk sector is weaving economic empowerment into its rich cultural fabric. From the shimmering sarees of Kanchipuram to the earthy charm of Bhagalpur Tussar, silk continues to bind heritage with livelihoods across rural India.
Silk has long been a thread that binds India’s history, culture, and craftsmanship. From the vibrant hues of Kanchipuram sarees to the rustic charm of Bhagalpur Tussar, each silk creation tells a unique story. These sarees, woven from pure mulberry silk, are crafted with unmatched precision by skilled artisans—a tradition passed down through generations. As the loom echoes with the rhythm of their hands, silk comes to life, not just as fabric, but as a vibrant symbol of India’s artistic and cultural heritage.
The journey of silk begins with sericulture, the age-old process of cultivating silkworms. These worms are nurtured on the leaves of mulberry, oak, castor, and arjun trees. Within a month, they spin cocoons, which are later collected and boiled to soften the silk. The fine threads are then carefully extracted, twisted into yarn, and woven into luxurious fabric. This intricate process transforms tiny worms into shimmering masterpieces.
India stands as the second largest producer and the largest consumer of silk globally. While mulberry silk remains the most dominant type, accounting for 92% of the country’s total raw silk production, India also produces non-mulberry or Vanya silk in regions such as Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and the northeastern states. Mulberry silk, cultivated in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir, and West Bengal, is prized for its softness and sheen. In contrast, Vanya silk, derived from wild silkworms, offers a more earthy texture and is known for its strength and sustainability, according to the Ministry of Textiles.
Despite representing only 0.2% of global textile production, silk plays a vital role in India’s rural economy. It provides an employment in underdeveloped areas and serves as a source of foreign exchange earnings.
India’s raw silk production has shown consistent growth, increasing from 31,906 metric tonnes in 2017-18 to 38,913 metric tonnes in 2023-24. This growth is mirrored by an expansion in mulberry plantations, which grew from 2.23 lakh hectares in 2017-18 to 2.63 lakh hectares in 2023-24. Exports have also increased, with earnings rising from ₹1,649.48 crore in 2017-18 to Rs. 2,027.56 crore in 2023-24. Additionally, India exported 3,348 metric tonnes of silk waste during 2023-24, according to the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics. While silk waste may include broken fibres or imperfect cocoons, it can still be repurposed into yarn or recycled into new products.
The Indian government has launched several schemes to support the silk industry, with the Silk Samagra Scheme being a cornerstone initiative. Aimed at enhancing silk production and empowering economically weaker sections, the scheme covers research and development, seed organization, market development, and quality certification. Its extension, Silk Samagra-2, has been allocated a budget of Rs. 4,679.85 crore for the 2021-26 period. So far, Rs. 1,075.58 crore has been disbursed as central assistance, benefiting over 78,000 individuals. Financial support has also been extended to states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Other supporting initiatives include the Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS), which ensures quality yarn for handloom weavers at subsidized rates. Under this scheme, 340 lakh kg of yarn was distributed in 2023-24 alone. The National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) also supports weavers by providing raw materials, technology upgrades, design support, and marketing infrastructure. Additionally, the SAMARTH scheme, extended until 2025-26 with a budget of Rs. 495 crore, focuses on skill development in textiles, including silk.
