Government jobs • Exam updates • PreparationIndependent information portal
RojgarRankYOUR NEXT STEP STARTS HERE
Current Affairs

India's Target to Achieve 60,000 Tonnes of Silk Production by 2030-31

By Published

India aims to raise its annual silk production to 60,000 metric tonnes by 2030-31, aspiring to become the world's largest silk producer by 2028-29. The current production stands at approximately 42,000 metric tonnes, a significant increase from 26,000 metric tonnes in 2014. This growth and future target emphasize the integration of modern technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, Geographic Information Systems, and Machine Learning, to enhance quality and productivity in sericulture. Karnataka is the leading silk-producing state, and the Central Silk Board, established in 1948 under the Ministry of Textiles, plays a crucial role in research, development, and coordination within the silk sector. The government also aims to improve farmers' income substantially through increased yields and more cocoon rearing cycles.

On this page

Key Facts

  • India plans to increase silk production to 60,000 metric tonnes by 2030-31.
  • The country aims to become the world's largest silk producer by 2028-29, currently ranking second after China.
  • Present production is around 42,000 metric tonnes, up from 26,000 metric tonnes in 2014.
  • Silk types produced include mulberry, tasar, eri, and muga silk.
  • Karnataka is the leading silk-producing state in India.
  • The Central Silk Board (CSB), established in 1948 under the Ministry of Textiles, is responsible for research, development, and coordination in the silk sector.
  • Use of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Machine Learning enhances quality inspection and production efficiency.
  • The government aims to raise farmers' annual income to ₹10-12 lakh through better sericulture practices.
  • Sericulture supports rural livelihoods and is a labour-intensive agro-based industry.

Background & Context

Sericulture encompasses mulberry cultivation, silkworm rearing, cocoon production, reeling, and weaving processes. India is the world's second-largest producer of silk, producing all four types of silk commercially. The Central Silk Board plays a pivotal role in coordinating research, technology dissemination, quality control, and extension services across the sericulture value chain. The government's production strategy focuses on strengthening every stage from sericulture to weaving, utilizing new silkworm hybrids, high-density rearing methods, and modern machinery to improve productivity and quality.

Why This Matters for Exams

The target to increase silk production and emerge as the largest global producer highlights India’s focus on rural development, agricultural innovation, and textile industry growth. Knowledge of the Central Silk Board's role, technology integration in sericulture, and state-wise production leadership is essential for understanding India's socio-economic strategies, making it a relevant topic for examinations in subjects like economy, agriculture, rural development, and governance.

Points to Remember

  • Silk production target: 60,000 metric tonnes by 2030-31.
  • Goal to be world’s largest producer by 2028-29.
  • Current production: ~42,000 metric tonnes (increased from 26,000 in 2014).
  • Central Silk Board established in 1948, under Ministry of Textiles.
  • Key technology enablers: AI, GIS, and Machine Learning for quality and productivity enhancement.
  • Leading silk types: mulberry, tasar, eri, muga.
  • Karnataka is the top silk-producing Indian state.
  • Sericulture's role in rural employment and farmers’ income enhancement.

Practice MCQs

Question 1

  1. What is India's targeted annual silk production by 2030-31?
  2. 26,000 metric tonnes
  3. 42,000 metric tonnes
  4. 50,000 metric tonnes
  5. 60,000 metric tonnes

Answer: 60,000 metric tonnes

Question 2

  1. Which organization is primarily responsible for research and development in India's silk sector?
  2. Ministry of Agriculture
  3. Central Silk Board
  4. Indian Council of Agricultural Research
  5. National Institute of Fashion Technology

Answer: Central Silk Board

Question 3

  1. By which year does India aim to become the world's largest silk producer?
  2. 2026-27
  3. 2028-29
  4. 2030-31
  5. 2035-36

Answer: 2028-29

← Back to Current Affairs