Silk, considered by many as the queen of all fabrics, is one of India’s most important industries. India is the second largest producer of silk, contributing to about one-fifth of the world’s silk production. India produces a variety of silks and the sericulture industry in India employs thousands of people.
The secret to silk production is the silkworm, which feeds solely on the leaves of mulberry trees. Although several insects produce silk, only the filament produced by Bombyx mori, the mulberry silk moth, and a few others, is used by the commercial silk industry.
Silk is basically an animal protein fiber produced by certain insects to build their cocoons and webs. It is a continuous filament within each cocoon. Several silk strands, each too thin for most uses, are twisted together to make thicker, stronger yarn. The production of raw silk by means of raising caterpillars (larvae) is known as Sericulture.
There is a great demand for silk products in India and abroad. People adore silk for its sheen, elegance, comfort, and vibrant colours, which makes it distinct from all other fibers. The demand for silk products, particularly saris and readymade garments, has been on the rise for years.
Silk products are generally expensive and consumed by the urban rich in India and abroad. However, silk production is a huge industry and employs thousands of people, especially in rural areas.
India is trying to fulfil the increase in demand through domestic silk production but India is yet to become self-sufficient in silk production. As a result, India continues to import silk from China.
Challenges of silk Industry
Demand for silk fabric is high in India but one third of the country’s demand of raw silk is supplemented by imports, mostly from China.
Poor research activities and lack of high-yielding silkworm varieties have impacted the quality of Indian silk. Quality of Indian silk needs to be improved further to boost silk exports
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