J&K’s Golden Thread: 822 MT Cocoon Output Spins Economic Revival

Srinagar, Apr 20: The sericulture industry in Jammu and Kashmir has achieved unprecedented growth with cocoon production soaring to 822 metric tons in 2023-24, marking a substantial 17.6% increase from the 699 metric tons recorded in the previous fiscal year, according to the recently released Economic Survey 2024.

This remarkable growth trajectory reflects the successful integration of traditional practices with modern interventions in a sector that serves as a critical economic backbone for approximately 27,000 families across the Union Territory.

J&K now produces around 800 metric tons of high-quality bivoltine cocoons annually, cementing its position as a significant contributor to India’s silk industry.

The latest production figures validate our strategic approach to revitalising sericulture in J&K, the report states.

The Economic Survey 2024 emphasises sericulture’s role as a crucial supplementary income source, particularly for economically disadvantaged groups. The industry has proven especially beneficial for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and landless individuals who traditionally have limited access to stable economic opportunities.

“What makes sericulture particularly valuable is its accessibility,” explained the official. “The sector offers substantial employment with minimal investment requirements and a relatively short gestation period, making it ideally suited for rural communities with limited resources.”

Women constitute a significant portion of the workforce in this sector, with the indoor, home-based nature of many sericulture activities allowing them to participate actively while balancing household responsibilities. This has contributed substantially to women’s economic empowerment throughout rural J&K.

The transformative growth can be attributed largely to the comprehensive Silk Samagra initiative. Supported by a substantial outlay of Rs. 1431.61 lakh under the Central Sector Scheme (CSS), this project is designed to benefit 735 silkworm rearers through Cluster Development Programs across the Union Territory, including 53 Scheduled Caste families, 94 tribal families, and 588 individuals from marginalised backgrounds.

The government has implemented several targeted interventions over the past two years. These include increasing the Cocoon Bank Revolving Fund to Rs. 3.50 crore to support local reeling units, raising seed cocoon rates to Rs. 1300 per kilogram to encourage seed cocoon production, and elevating the floor price of commercial cocoons to Rs. 800 per kilogram. Additionally, financial assistance for constructing rearing infrastructure has been enhanced, along with production-based incentives for rearers and reelers to stimulate both cocoon and silk production.

Significant efforts have also been made to modernise the sector through the upgradation of silkworm seed production units, establishment of Chawki Rearing Centres, and provision of improved rearing equipment.

The Economic Survey data reveals impressive growth across multiple parameters. Mulberry field plantations increased from 8.60 lakh in 2022-23 to 9.05 lakh in 2023-24, reflecting a 5.2% growth. Nursery plantations grew from 59.18 lakh to 60.37 lakh during the same period. While silkworm seed distribution remained relatively stable, cocoon production saw the most dramatic improvement with a 17.6% increase.

For the current fiscal year (2024-25), preliminary data shows promising trends with 24 lakh DFLs (Disease-Free Layings) of silkworm seeds already distributed to farmers by November 2024, indicating continued growth momentum.

The sericulture sector in J&K integrates both agricultural and industrial aspects through a comprehensive structure that includes the cultivation of mulberry plants that provide food for silkworms, the rearing of silkworms for cocoon production, the processing of cocoons into raw silk, and the manufacturing of various silk products. This integrated approach ensures sustainability while maximising economic returns at each stage of production.

Despite the impressive growth, industry experts identify several challenges that need addressing to sustain this momentum. These include climate vulnerability, market fluctuations, and competition from synthetic alternatives.

“Our focus now is on enhancing resilience through improved technological interventions and market linkages,” the official stated. “We’re also exploring geographical indication protection for unique J&K silk varieties to create premium market positioning.”

With continued government support and growing market demand for authentic Kashmiri silk, industry analysts project that J&K’s sericulture sector could emerge as a model for sustainable rural enterprise across India, potentially reaching over 1,000 metric tons of annual cocoon production within the next three years.

Key Highlights

Cocoon production in J&K reached 822 metric tons in 2023-24, a 17.6% increase from the previous year.

Sericulture supports approximately 27,000 families, benefiting marginalised groups and women.

Growth driven by the Silk Samagra initiative with Rs. 1431.61 lakh funding under a Central Sector Scheme.

Key interventions: enhanced cocoon rates, rearing infrastructure support, modern equipment, and incentives.

Mulberry plantations rose by 5.2% in 2023-24; nursery plantations also saw growth.

24 lakh DFLs distributed by November 2024,

indicating continued growth.

Challenges include climate vulnerability, market fluctuations, and competition from synthetics.

Focus now on resilience, market linkages, and geographical indication protection for J&K silk.

Potential for over 1,000 metric tons of cocoon

production within three years.