India is the second-largest silk producer in the world, with Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh being the top silk-producing states in the country. Which silk is largely cultivated in India? It is used to manufacture a wide range of items, including sarees, dress fabrics, and scarves.
The silk industry plays a significant role in the Indian economy, It generates many job opportunities and acts as a stable source of income for individuals. The country produce a variety of silks are
Mulberry silk
Mulberry silk is the most common type of silk made in India. It comes from the cocoons of mulberry silkworms. These silkworms eat only mulberry leaves. Mulberry silk is known for being soft, strong, and long-lasting. It is used to make many different kinds of clothes, like sarees, dresses, shirts, and blouses.
Most mulberry silk is made in Indian states are Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Tasar silk
Tasar silk is made from the cocoons of special silkworms that live in Indian forests. It is golden in color and very strong. Tasar silk is used to make many different kinds of clothes, like sarees, dresses, shirts, and jackets.
Most tasar silk is made in Indian states are Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar.
Eri silk
Eri silk comes from the cocoons of special silkworms found in northeastern India. It is known for being soft and having warm, earthy colors. It is used to make many different kinds of clothes, like sarees, dresses, shawls, and blankets.
The main Eri silk production centers in India are Assam ,Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.
Muga silk
Muga silk comes from special silkworms found only in Assam. It is golden in color and very strong. Muga silk is used to make many different kinds of clothes, like sarees, dresses, shirts, and jackets. The main Muga silk production center in India is Assam.
Importance in silk cultivations are given below
1.It is an agricultural-based domestic industry, offers significant employment and income opportunities.
2.As a budget-friendly option for small and marginal farmers,
3.It involves less maintenance and huge returns.
4.It offers a viable and empowering livelihood option for rural women, contributing to their economic independence.
Indian government help the industry in many ways. They give money to help people start sericulture businesses. They also teach people how to do it right. They do research to improve silk production. They make sure that silk is of good quality.
India is unique for producing all four types of silk – mulberry, muga, tasar, and eri. Sericulture offers a low-investment, high-employment opportunity, benefiting many people. India’s favorable climate and active participation of women in the industry are key factors in its growth potential.
Sericulture, the cultivation of silkworms, is a thriving global industry with substantial commercial success. The rising affluence and evolving lifestyles of consumers have fueled a consistent and robust demand for silk.