India exported 3348 MT of silk waste in 2023-24, with efforts underway to boost domestic silk waste utilisation through new initiatives.

India exported 3348 metric tonnes of silk waste during the financial year 2023-24, according to DGCIS, Kolkata. While raw silk remains the primary silk product imported into the country, value-added products made from silk waste are not significantly imported.

To utilise silk waste domestically, three spun silk mills are being established in Assam, Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), and Manipur by their respective state governments. Additionally, small spinning machines such as miniature spinning mills and motorised, pedal-operated spinning machines are being supported under the Silk Samagra-2 scheme.

Scientific and technical expertise are prerequisites for producing P1 basic silkworm seeds, as maintaining genetic purity is vital for quality seed production. The Central Silk Board and state governments ensure proper breed maintenance to prevent genetic deterioration.

The Central Silk Board is also promoting private entrepreneurs registered for bivoltine seed cocoon and commercial silkworm seed production. Currently, 342 Registered Seed Producers (RSPs) and 5652 Registered Seed Cocoon Producers (RSCPs) are engaged in mulberry silkworm seed and seed cocoon production, respectively.

India’s mulberry cultivation area has grown from 2,19,819 hectares in 2014-15 to 2,63,352 hectares in 2023-24, indicating no decline in cultivation. However, the matter of declaring Special Sericulture Zones (SSZs) lies under the jurisdiction of state governments, and no such proposals have been received so far.

This information was shared by the Minister of State for Textiles, Shri Pabitra Margherita, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha

Source: PIB Delhi