6.Indian Silk: India is the second-largest producer and the largest consumer of silk in the world.

• The Silk connects India’s history, tradition, and art, as seen in iconic silk sarees like Kanchipuram and Banarasi.
• About: Silk is a thread connecting India’s history, tradition, and art.
• Iconic Silk Sarees:

o Kanchipuram and Banarasi silk sarees: Iconic representations of India’s silk heritage.

o Mulberry silk: Used to make pure, luxurious silk sarees.

o Silk weaving craft: Passed down through generations, symbolizing India’s vibrant soul.

• Sericulture Process: Sericulture → Silkworm diet → Cocoon process → Silk extraction
• Silk Production in India:

o Mulberry silk production: Mainly produced in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir, and West Bengal.

o Non-mulberry silk (Vanya silk): Comes from wild silkworms, produced in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, and northeastern states.

o Raw silk: 92% of India’s raw silk production comes from mulberry.

• Economic Role of Silk:

o Economic development: Silk production creates jobs, especially in rural areas, and contributes to foreign exchange.

o Silk’s share in textile production: Accounts for 0.2% of the world’s total textile production.

• Government Schemes in Silk Development:

  o Silk Samagra Scheme: Focuses on improving sericulture by scaling production, improving quality, and empowering families.

  o Scheme components: Research & Development, Training, Technology Transfer, Seed Organizations, Market Development, and Quality Certification.

  • Other Supporting Schemes:

  o Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS): Provides quality yarn to handloom weavers at subsidized rates.

  o National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP): Supports weavers with raw materials, design, technology upgrades, and marketing.

  o SAMARTH Scheme: Focuses on training 3 lakh people in textiles, including silk.