Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Indian silk industry has emerged as a symbol of self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) and cultural pride. Government initiatives like Silk Samagra, RMSS, NHDP, and SAMARTH have not only revitalized the silk economy but also empowered artisans and weavers with dignity and prosperity.
Silk in India is more than just a fabric—it’s a story spun with culture, tradition, craftsmanship, and pride. For millennia, Indian silk has dazzled the world, woven into the identities of Kanchipuram, Banaras, Bhagalpur, and Assam. Every saree, every thread carries the legacy of a civilization rooted in aesthetics and spirituality. But beyond heritage, silk is also an instrument of economic empowerment and rural employment—a fact that the Modi government has astutely recognized and supported through robust schemes, infrastructural investments, and strategic vision.
Today, India stands tall as the second-largest producer and the largest consumer of silk in the world. Under the Modi administration, the Indian silk industry has not only preserved its cultural sheen but also embraced modernization and scalability to serve the needs of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
India’s Journey Through Sericulture: A Story Spun by Nature and Nurture
Sericulture—the cultivation of silkworms—is the heartbeat of the silk industry. The humble silkworm, feeding exclusively on mulberry leaves, spins its cocoon which is then transformed into threads of lustrous silk. The life cycle of these moths becomes the lifeline for thousands of rural households.
India is unique in producing all four major varieties of silk:
- Mulberry (92% of total production)
- Tasar (Tussar)
- Eri
- Muga (exclusive to Assam)
Mulberry silk is cultivated in southern states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal, while non-mulberry or Vanya silk thrives in the tribal belts of Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and the North-East—regions where sericulture is not just livelihood but a way of life.
Silk as a Rural Economic Engine
India’s silk industry supports over 9.1 million people across the value chain, most of whom are women and rural artisans. The sector has a powerful ripple effect—strengthening livelihoods, empowering women, and preserving indigenous knowledge systems.
According to the Central Silk Board (CSB) and data from the Ministry of Textiles:
- India’s raw silk production rose from 31,906 MT in 2017–18 to 38,913 MT in 2023–24.
- Area under mulberry cultivation increased from 2.23 lakh hectares to 2.63 lakh hectares over the same period.
- Exports of silk and silk goods increased from ₹1,649.48 crores in 2017–18 to ₹2,027.56 crores in 2023–24.
Such robust growth highlights the silent yet substantial transformation happening under the aegis of government policy.
Silk Waste: From Byproduct to Opportunity
Even the so-called waste in silk—broken or irregular threads—is being leveraged for production of spun silk and recycled products. In 2023–24 alone, India exported 3,348 MT of silk waste, turning what was once discarded into a revenue-generating opportunity. This aligns with the government’s focus on sustainability and circular economy.
Modi Government’s Interventions: Catalyzing a Silk Revolution
Recognizing silk’s importance, the Modi government has undertaken a strategic and scientific overhaul of the sector with a mix of policy support, budget allocations, and skill development.
1. Silk Samagra & Silk Samagra-2
The flagship initiative, Silk Samagra launched during the Modi government’s first term, was designed as an umbrella scheme to integrate the entire silk value chain from farm to fabric. Its four components include:
- R&D, training, IT initiatives
- Strengthening seed organizations
- Market development
- Export brand promotion and quality certification
Silk Samagra-2 (2021–22 to 2025–26) continues this legacy with a sanctioned budget of ₹4,679.85 crore, out of which ₹1,075.58 crore has already been disbursed. More than 78,000 sericulturists and artisans have directly benefited from this scheme.
For instance, Andhra Pradesh received ₹72.5 crore and Telangana ₹40.66 crore in recent years, reflecting region-specific empowerment.
2. Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS)
Under RMSS, the government facilitated subsidized yarn supply to weavers, ensuring that cost does not become a barrier to productivity. In FY 2023–24 alone, 340 lakh kg of yarn was distributed—an unprecedented number.
3. National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP)
Silk weavers have also been integrated into NHDP, which offers support for:
- Raw materials
- Design and product innovation
- Market exposure through exhibitions
- Permanent infrastructure like Urban Haats
This scheme encourages both traditional handloom clusters and Self-Help Groups, ensuring grassroots participation in India’s economic growth.
4. SAMARTH Scheme: Skill for Prosperity
The Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SAMARTH) has been extended till 2025–26 with a budget of ₹495 crore. The focus on silk, jute, and handloom training—especially for youth and women—makes this scheme a bridge between tradition and modernity.
The aim is to train 3 lakh individuals, creating a new generation of skilled artisans who can compete globally while preserving India’s artistic legacy.
A Glimpse into the Future: India’s Silk Dreams
Despite accounting for just 0.2% of global textile volume, silk represents a high-value niche. India’s competitive advantage lies not in mass production but in quality, diversity, and artistry.
The Modi government’s focus on:
- Digital marketing platforms for handloom weavers
- Export promotion councils
- Financial inclusion through PM Mudra Yojana
- Support for tribal sericulture under Van Dhan Yojana
All converge to build an ecosystem where Indian silk can thrive globally while nurturing rural livelihoods.
India’s entry into free trade agreements (FTAs) with countries like Australia and the UAE is also expected to open newer markets for silk-based garments and luxury goods.
From Loom to Global Legacy
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Indian silk industry has emerged as a symbol of self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) and cultural pride. Government initiatives like Silk Samagra, RMSS, NHDP, and SAMARTH have not only revitalized the silk economy but also empowered artisans and weavers with dignity and prosperity.
The growth in production, exports, and employment stands as a testament to the success of a development model that is both inclusive and sustainable.
India, with its blend of heritage and innovation, is well on its way to becoming not just a silk superpower—but a custodian of a timeless tradition that continues to dazzle the world, one saree at a time.
