India weaves success with 38,913 metric tonnes silk output in 2023-24: Ministry of Textiles

India’s silk industry continues to thrive, blending tradition with transformation. In 2023-24, the country produced 38,913 metric tonnes of raw silk and exported silk products worth Rs 2,027.56 crore, affirming its status as the world’s second-largest silk producer and top consumer, according to the Ministry of Textiles. Mulberry silk dominates with 92 per cent of total output, primarily cultivated in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir, and West Bengal.

Meanwhile, non-mulberry or Vanya silk, known for its durability and sustainability, thrives in Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and the North eastern states. Silk Samagra, a flagship government initiative, has supported over 78,000 beneficiaries, with its latest phase Silk Samagra-2 receiving Rs 4,679.85 crore for 2021-26. Additional schemes like RMSS, NHDP, and SAMARTH are providing subsidized yarn, skill training, and infrastructure to strengthen the sector.

Raw silk production rose steadily from 31,906 metric tonnes in 2017-18 to 38,913 metric tonnes in 2023-24, alongside expanded mulberry cultivation and increased silk waste exports of 3,348 metric tonnes. Despite contributing only 0.2 per cent to global textile output, silk plays a vital role in rural livelihoods and foreign exchange earnings, weaving economic resilience into India’s rich cultural heritage.