Which Indian State Produces Maximum Raw Silk?

Silk production is an important industry in India, providing employment to thousands of farmers and artisans. The country is one of the largest silk producers in the world, with several states involved in its cultivation. The process of making silk starts with silkworms, which feed on mulberry leaves and produce fine threads. Among all the states, one region stands out as the top producer of raw silk.

Silk Production in India

India is the world’s second-largest producer of silk, with about 36,453 metric tons produced in 2022–23. China remains the top producer of silk in the world, while India is the biggest user and consumer of silk products. Most of the world’s silk is made in Asia, which contributes more than 95% of the total global silk production. Because of this, Asia is considered the main centre of silk farming, weaving, and trade across the world.

Type of Silk and their Producing States

India produces two major types of silk:

• Mulberry Silk: Mainly produced in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir and West Bengal.
• Non-Mulberry Silk: Includes Tasar, Eri and Muga Silk, which are primarily produced in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and the North-Eastern states.

Largest Producer of Raw Silk in India

Karnataka is the largest producer of mulberry silk in India. The top districts with the highest mulberry cultivation areas are:

• Ramanagara: 20,804.56 hectares
• Chikkaballapura: 20,544.62 hectares
• Kolar: 19,907.79 hectares

How much Silk Does Karnataka Produce?

In 2023-24, Karnataka produced 12,463 metric tons of raw silk. This is about 32% of India’s total raw silk production. When we talk only about mulberry silk, Karnataka’s share is even higher at 42%.

Other States that Produce Silk

Although Karnataka is the leader, some other states also producer a lot of silk. These states include:

• Andhra Pradesh
• Assam
• West Bengal
• Tamil Nadu

Government Support for Silk Production

The Indian government is helping silk farmers through a special program called “Silk Samagra-2.” This scheme is run by the Central Silk Board. It provides:

• Financial help to silk farmers
• Training to improve silk quality
• Support for better silk production techniques