India’s Ministry of Textiles has announced an investment of Rs 1,000 crore to strengthen domestic silk production and reduce dependence on imported raw silk, with a target of achieving 44,500 tonnes of raw silk output by FY27.

The initiative is aimed at modernising the country’s sericulture value chain while enhancing export competitiveness and supporting nearly 10 million farmers, reelers and weavers engaged in the sector.

The government’s plan focuses on strengthening the entire silk ecosystem, covering silkworm seed production, cocoon development, reeling, processing and branding, with an emphasis on improving efficiency, quality and traceability across the value chain.

The move is part of a broader strategy to make India self-reliant in raw silk production and position the country as a stronger player in the global silk market.

Karnataka continues to lead the country’s silk production, playing a critical role in India’s overall output.

India’s silk exports have recorded significant momentum, rising 34 per cent since FY2022, while imports have declined, reflecting growing domestic production capacity and improving industry resilience.

The Ministry sees the sector as a key driver of rural employment generation and economic development, particularly across sericulture clusters where silk production supports livelihoods at multiple levels.

With rising global demand for high-quality silk and value-added textile products, the government aims to enhance India’s competitiveness against leading silk-producing nations such as China.

The investment is expected to accelerate technology adoption, strengthen supply chains and create new growth opportunities for India’s silk industry as it moves toward greater self-sufficiency and expanded export potential.