Key Highlights
- Karnataka contributes roughly one‑third of India's raw silk output, reaching 12,463 MT in 2023‑24.
- The state leads mulberry silk cultivation, with Ramanagara, Chikkaballapura and Kolar accounting for over 60 % of the regional acreage.
- India ranks second globally in total silk production (36,453 MT, 2022‑23) and is the world’s largest consumer.
- Non‑mulberry varieties—Tasar, Eri and Muga—are cultivated mainly in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and the North‑Eastern states.
- The central Silk Samagra‑2 program supplies credit, training and technology upgrades to sericulture practitioners.
Detailed Insights
Sericulture remains a vital livelihood for millions of Indian cultivators and artisans. While the nation produces over 36,000 metric tons of silk annually, the bulk of this volume originates from mulberry‑based operations concentrated in Karnataka. In the fiscal year 2023‑24, Karnataka alone generated 12,463 MT of raw silk, representing 32 % of the country’s total and an even larger 42 % share of mulberry silk. The principal districts—Ramanagara (20,804.56 ha), Chikkaballapura (20,544.62 ha) and Kolar (19,907.79 ha)—dominate the state's mulberry acreage, reflecting intensive cultivation practices and favorable agro‑climatic conditions.
Beyond Karnataka, several states contribute to the silk mosaic. Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Assam sustain significant production, while the non‑mulberry segment thrives in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and the eight North‑Eastern states. These varieties diversify the market, catering to niche consumer preferences and traditional textiles.
Recognizing sericulture’s socio‑economic importance, the Government of India operates the Silk Samagra‑2 scheme under the Central Silk Board. The initiative furnishes financial assistance, skill‑development modules, and modern rearing techniques to uplift farm‑gate productivity and enhance silk quality across the country.
Key Concepts
- Mulberry Silk: The premium silk derived from silkworms that feed exclusively on Morus alba leaves, predominating in Karnataka’s sericulture.
- Non‑Mulberry Silk: Includes Tasar, Eri and Muga varieties, produced by silkworm species that consume alternative host plants and are regionally sourced outside Karnataka.
- Silk Samagra‑2: A central government scheme designed to provide monetary aid, technical training, and infrastructural support to sericulture stakeholders.