India Aims for 60,000 Metric Tonnes Silk Output by 2030-31 and Global Top Spot by 2028-29

Key facts

• India has set a target to raise annual silk production to 60,000 metric tonnes by 2030-31, with Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh stating the government aims to make India the world's largest silk producer by 2028-29.
• India's annual silk production has increased from 26,000 metric tonnes in 2014 to 42,000 metric tonnes currently, according to the Union Textiles Minister.
• The targets were announced by Giriraj Singh at the 77th Foundation Day of the Central Silk Board (CSB) in Bengaluru.
• Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje said Karnataka holds the leading position in India's total silk production.
• The Central Silk Board plans technology-led interventions including high-yielding silkworm hybrids, modern machinery, Artificial Intelligence, Geographic Information System and Machine Learning, as stated by Joint Secretary (Silk) Padmini Singla.
• Giriraj Singh proposed 'Best Silk Farmer' competitions at district, state and national levels and said improving mulberry yields and cocoon-rearing cycles could raise annual farmer incomes to ₹10 lakh–₹12 lakh.
• At the 77th Foundation Day event, the Central Silk Board exchanged MoUs with various organisations, distributed appointment letters to 28 scientists, presented awards and released publications, with attendees from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu.