Resolved to Elevate India to the No. 1 Position in Global Silk Production: Shri Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles

Key Highlights:

• The Central Silk Board (CSB) celebrated its 77th Foundation Day in Bengaluru, attended by Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh.
• India's silk production has increased from 26,000 metric tonnes in 2014 to 42,000 metric tonnes currently.
• A target is set to achieve 60,000 metric tonnes of silk production by 2030-31.
• India aims to become the No. 1 global silk producer by 2028-29.
• The government seeks to raise farmers' annual income to ₹10-12 lakh through enhanced mulberry yield and cocoon rearing.

Detailed Insights:

• The government is committed to expanding the sericulture sector and improving the economic well-being of silk farmers.
• Initiatives include organizing 'Best Silk Farmer' award competitions to foster a competitive spirit among producers.
• Emphasis is placed on ensuring new innovations, hybrid varieties, and modern machinery reach farmers directly.
• Rising international demand for Indian silk is noted, coinciding with a decline in China's production.
• The government aims to strengthen the entire value chain from sericulture to reeling and weaving.
• Karnataka holds a leading position in India's total silk production, receiving special attention for infrastructure and industrial growth.
• Modern technologies and high-density production methods are being adopted to produce silk of global export standards, reducing import reliance.
• The Ministry of Textiles is integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), Geographic Information System (GIS), and Machine Learning (ML) for quality inspection and production enhancement.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Sericulture: The rearing of silkworms for the production of raw silk.
• Central Silk Board (CSB): A statutory body under the Ministry of Textiles, responsible for the development of the silk industry in India.
• Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME): Enterprises involved in the production, processing, or preservation of goods and services, supported by government schemes.