The Role of Sericulture in Agriculture and the Indian Economy
Harneet Kour
PhD Scholar, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal
Introduction
Sericulture, commonly known as silk farming, involves the cultivation of silkworms for silk production. Among the various species of silkworms, the domesticated silk moth caterpillar has gained the most attention due to its commercial significance. Silk production has deep historical roots, with evidence suggesting its existence in China since the Neolithic era. Today, many countries, including India, China, Brazil, France, Russia, Italy, Japan, Korea, and Thailand, have embraced sericulture as a thriving cottage industry. India and China are the leading global silk producers, contributing to approximately 60% of the world’s total silk output.
Contribution to Employment and Economy
Sericulture plays a significant role in India’s economy, providing employment opportunities and generating revenue. It is a labor-intensive industry, employing around 8.7 million people, primarily from rural and semi-urban areas, including women and economically disadvantaged groups. Producing one kilogram of raw mulberry silk typically involves around eleven days of human labor, offering consistent employment opportunities throughout the year Compared to traditional cash crops like wheat, paddy, and maize, sericulture is a more profitable alternative, with annual net earnings ranging between Rs. 12,000 and Rs. 70,000, depending on the type of silk and the area under cultivation.
India has played a vital role in the silk trade since the 15th century and has emerged as a global leader in silk production due to its diverse range of silk fabrics that reflect regional craftsmanship. The simplicity of sericulture technology makes it accessible to various socio-economic groups, further enhancing its impact on rural development and poverty alleviation.
Silk Production in India
India’s silk production has seen steady growth over the years. The country produced 33,770 metric tons in 2020–2021, 34,903 metric tons in 2021–2022, and increased to 36,582 metric tons in 2022–2023 (Reddy & Parasuramudu, 2024). Despite this growth, domestic production still struggles to meet rising demand, driven by economic activities post-COVID-19.
India is known for producing four primary types of natural silk: mulberry, eri, tasar, and muga. Karnataka remains the leading silk-producing state, accounting for 32.3% of the country’s silk output in 2022–2023, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 26%. Other key silk-producing states include Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. The silk industry is spread across 52,360 villages, where the fiber is processed into high-quality garments, carpets, shawls, scarves, pillow covers, and accessories.
Sericulture and Agricultural Diversification
As an element of agricultural diversification, sericulture is a low-capital, high-yield industry that involves both mulberry tree farming and silkworm rearing. Mulberry cultivation begins with seedling production and includes training, nurturing, harvesting, and pest management. These trees offer a steady and reliable source of foliage, serving as the primary feed for silkworms.
Silkworm rearing involves several stages, including collecting mature larvae, transferring them to cocooning frames, monitoring the rearing environment, disease management, and egg preservation. Since producing one kilogram of raw silk requires around eleven man-days of labor, sericulture ensures steady employment. The annual net income varies based on the silk type and the land used for host plants, making it a lucrative agricultural venture.
Foreign Exchange and Silk Exports
India’s sericulture sector plays a vital role in generating foreign exchange. In 2020–2021, it earned ₹1,418.97 crores in revenue. The following year, exports of silk and silk products grew by 25.3%, reaching US$248.56 million. From April 2023 to January 2024, the country accrued US$213 million through silk exports. The export value of raw silk has witnessed a steady growth trend, with a compound annual growth rate of 13% between 2006–07 and 2015–16.
Conclusion
Sericulture continues to be an integral part of India’s agricultural economy, contributing to rural livelihoods and national income. Its role in employment generation, rural development, and foreign exchange earnings makes it a valuable asset. With increasing demand for silk products both domestically and internationally, expanding and modernizing sericulture can further strengthen its impact on India’s economy. The industry’s ability to offer sustainable livelihoods, particularly in rural areas, reinforces its significance in India’s long-term agricultural and economic strategies.
References
Reddy, Y. P., & Parasuramudu, M. (2024). Role of Sericulture in the Indian Economy. Journal for Research in Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, 3(4), 107–116. https://doi.org/10.55544/jrasb.3.4.13
