India is the second-largest producer of silk in the world, but it still imports a significant quantity of high-quality silk. Silk Samagra-2 aims to bridge this gap, promote Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and make India a global leader in silk exports.
The Indian silk industry has long been a vital part of the country’s rural economy, cultural heritage, and textile exports. However, challenges such as low productivity, dependence on imports of high-quality silk, and lack of modern technology have hindered its full potential. To address these issues and uplift the lives of silk farmers and weavers, the Government of India introduced the Silk Samagra-2 Scheme — a robust continuation and expansion of the earlier Silk Samagra initiative.
Launched by the Ministry of Textiles and implemented through the Central Silk Board, Silk Samagra-2 is a Central Sector Scheme designed to comprehensively support the entire silk value chain. It is aligned with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision and seeks to make India self-reliant in silk production, while also enhancing quality and boosting exports.
Background and Evolution
The Silk Samagra initiative was first launched in 2017, focusing on the holistic development of the sericulture industry. After the successful implementation of its first phase, the government rolled out Silk Samagra-2 with broader objectives, deeper coverage, and improved strategies.
The scheme builds on the successes and learnings of previous central interventions, such as:
- Catalytic Development Programme (CDP)
- North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS)
- Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry (ISDSI)
- Original Silk Samagra Scheme (2017–2021)
Silk Samagra-2 marks a new phase with a greater thrust on quality, employment, and sustainability.
Objectives of Silk Samagra-2
The core aim of Silk Samagra-2 is to make India a global leader in silk production and exports through end-to-end value chain support. The major objectives include:
- Enhancing raw silk production, especially high-quality bivoltine silk.
- Reducing dependence on imported silk, especially from China.
- Improving the income and livelihood of silk farmers and weavers.
- Promoting scientific rearing practices and modern technologies.
- Supporting infrastructure development, market expansion, and branding.
- Strengthening R&D for innovation and disease control in silkworms.
Key Features of the Scheme
1. Pan-India Coverage with State-Level Implementation
Silk Samagra-2 is implemented in partnership with State Governments and Union Territories, ensuring local needs are addressed while maintaining national goals. As of now, Rs. 1,074.94 crore has been released to States under the scheme, benefiting around 78,000 stakeholders, including farmers, reelers, and weavers.
2. Focus on Bivoltine Silk Production
India has traditionally been a producer of multivoltine silk, which is lower in quality compared to bivoltine silk. Silk Samagra-2 places special emphasis on the production of bivoltine silk, which is essential for international markets and high-end domestic consumption.
3. Employment Generation
The sericulture sector is labor-intensive and supports a large rural workforce. As per data till January 2025:
- Total estimated employment: 80.90 lakh persons
- Direct employment: 71.2 lakh
- Indirect employment: 9.7 lakh
These figures showcase the scheme’s strong contribution to rural livelihood promotion.
4. Technology Integration: Automatic Reeling Machines (ARMs)
To improve the quality and quantity of silk, the scheme supports the installation of Automatic Reeling Machines. So far, 109 ARMs have been established across India, producing 3A and 4A grade silk, which is of international standard.
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Major Components of the Scheme
Silk Samagra-2 covers a wide range of activities across four key components:
1. Research & Development, Training and Capacity Building
- Strengthening R&D institutions under the Central Silk Board.
- Developing new silkworm breeds with higher productivity and disease resistance.
- Organizing training programs for farmers and weavers on modern techniques.
2. Seed Production and Support Services
- Enhancing the production of quality silkworm seed.
- Establishing and modernizing seed production centers.
- Supporting disinfection, equipment, and rearing appliances for farmers.
3. Silkworm Rearing and Cocoon Production
- Assistance for rearing houses, chawki rearing centers, and plantation activities.
- Promotion of integrated farming models for cocoon production.
- Incentives for adoption of organic and scientific sericulture practices.
4. Post-Cocoon Sector Development
- Support for silk reeling, spinning, and weaving infrastructure.
- Upgradation of machinery and adoption of modern reeling technologies.
- Assistance for dyeing units, testing labs, and fabric finishing.
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Support for Silk Handloom Workers
Apart from focusing on sericulture, the government has integrated Silk Samagra-2 with other textile schemes such as:
- National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP)
- Raw Material Supply Scheme
These schemes ensure affordable access to quality yarn, working capital, and marketing support for silk handloom weavers.
North East: A Strategic Focus Area
The Northeastern region of India, known for its rich biodiversity and conducive climate for sericulture, receives special attention under the scheme. Programs like NERTPS are dovetailed into Silk Samagra-2 to promote Eri, Muga, and Mulberry silk production in these states.
Expected Outcomes
Silk Samagra-2 is projected to deliver tangible results in the following areas:
- Increase in domestic silk production to meet national demand.
- Substantial growth in bivoltine silk output, reducing import dependency.
- Boost in rural incomes and employment.
- Improved international competitiveness in the silk market.
- Strengthened infrastructure for sustainable silk development.
(India CSR)
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