India Sets Global Silk Leadership Target: Production Push Targets World No. 1 Position
India is setting a new strategic target for its sericulture sector, with the Union Ministry of Textiles aiming to position the country as the world’s largest silk producer by 2028-29. Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh reaffirmed the target while inaugurating the 77th Foundation Day programme of the Central Silk Board (CSB) and an exhibition of silk products and technologies in Bengaluru on September 20, 2026.
The government’s production strategy is built around a significant expansion in output. India’s silk production has risen from around 26,000 metric tonnes in 2014 to 42,000 metric tonnes, while the Ministry has set a longer-term target of 60,000 metric tonnes by 2030-31.
The policy emphasis extends beyond production volumes to technology-led productivity and quality improvements. The Ministry has highlighted the adoption of high-yielding silkworm hybrids and modern machinery, alongside the integration of Artificial Intelligence, GIS and machine-learning technologies for quality assessment and production enhancement.
The government is also seeking to strengthen farmer participation through competitive recognition mechanisms. The Minister called for ‘Best Silk Farmer’ award competitions, aimed at encouraging innovation, productivity and improved practices among silk-producing farmers.
Governance Impact
The silk strategy has implications across rural livelihoods, technology adoption and the wider textile value chain. Increasing productivity while improving quality can strengthen the competitiveness of Indian silk and create greater value for farmers and downstream stakeholders. The Central Silk Board’s role in research, technology dissemination and farmer-oriented interventions will therefore remain critical to translating national production targets into measurable field-level outcomes.
The government’s approach indicates a shift from simply expanding raw-silk output towards building a technology-enabled, productivity-driven and globally competitive sericulture ecosystem.
