India on track to overtake China in silk production

India is set to surpass China in silk production, says Minister for Textiles, Giriraj Singh. Speaking at the Central Silk Board's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Mysuru, Singh revealed India's annual silk output has surged to 40,000 metric tonnes, approaching China’s 50,000 metric tonnes. Demand for Indian silk is rising, even in China, and India's production could reach 100,000 metric tonnes if mulberry silk in South India and Eri silk in North India hit peak levels.

Cocoon prices have fluctuated, with rates doubling from Rs 260 in 2014 to Rs 550 per kg in 2022-23, before falling to Rs 440 in 2023-24. Singh promised to stabilize prices.

Addressing concerns about middlemen affecting silk farmers, Singh urged Karnataka’s government to establish a Common Facility Centre to protect farmers’ interests.

Karnataka’s produces 42 per cent of India’s silk. Karnataka's Minister for Sericulture, K Venkatesh, emphasized the growing demand for Mysuru silk sarees, calling for more Central support to boost production.