To increase rural incomes, the Uttar Pradesh government is looking to double silk production to nearly 700 tonnes.
Even as UP is a prominent silk producer with annual trade of almost Rs 5,000 crore, the state produces only 10 percent of its annual requirement of 3,500 tonnes.
The state imports the bulk of its silk requirement from leading states such as Karnataka and Jharkhand.
The Yogi Adityanath government will now promote sericulture as a cottage industry and increase the income of farmers.
The state will lay emphasis on high silk producing districts and also partner with the private sector in areas where silk production is still low.
Although good quality silk cocoons is produced in 57 UP districts, about 90 percent of the state’s silk output comes from only 30 districts. The state has decided to focus on these 30 districts.
The silk production centres in 27 districts will be operated under the public private partnership (PPP) model.
With annual production of nearly 35,000 tonnes, India is the world’s second largest silk producer after China.
Among the three major silk varieties produced in 2020-21, Mulberry accounted for 70 percent, Eri 20 percent and Tasar 8 percent of the total raw silk output.
India exports raw silk, natural silk yarn, fabrics, readymade garments, silk waste and handloom products of silk fabric. During 2021-22, the country’s silk and silk products shipments were valued at about US$ 250 million.
The key export destinations of Indian raw silk are Vietnam, China, Nepal, United Kingdom and Bhutan.
To promote silk production, the state government provides 75 percent and 90 percent subsidy to general category and SC/ST category silk producers respectively.