12 April 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC
1. The Magic of Indian Silk
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2120877 )
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Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy |
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Context |
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Introduction to Silk and Its Significance
- Silk is an important part of India’s history, tradition, and art.
- Indian silk sarees, such as those from Kanchipuram and Bhagalpur, reflect the country’s rich culture.
- The craftsmanship behind these sarees is passed down through generations of artisans.
Sericulture Process
- Sericulture refers to farming silkworms to produce silk.
- Silkworms are raised on leaves from mulberry, oak, castor, and arjun trees.
- After about a month, silkworms spin cocoons which are boiled to extract silk threads.
- These threads are twisted into yarn and woven into fabric, turning simple silkworms into valuable silk.
Economic Role of Silk in India
- India is the second-largest producer and the largest consumer of silk globally.
- Mulberry silk is produced in several states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
- Non-mulberry silk, also known as Vanya silk, is produced in states like Jharkhand and Orissa.
- Silk production supports rural employment and contributes to foreign exchange.
- Silk accounts for only 0.2% of the world’s textile production but plays a vital role in economic development.
Growth of India’s Silk Market
- India’s silk production has steadily increased, from 31,906 MT in 2017-18 to 38,913 MT in 2023-24.
- The area of mulberry plantations grew from 223,926 ha in 2017-18 to 263,352 ha in 2023-24.
- Silk exports increased from ₹1,649.48 crores in 2017-18 to ₹2,027.56 crores in 2023-24.
Government Schemes Supporting Silk Development
- The Silk Samagra Scheme aims to improve silk production by enhancing quality and productivity.
- The scheme includes research, training, technology transfer, seed organizations, market development, and quality certification.
- Silk Samagra-2, with a budget of ₹4,679.85 crores, extends these efforts.
- Other supporting schemes include the Raw Material Supply Scheme and the National Handloom Development Programme, which help weavers and silk fabric producers.
- The Scheme for Capacity Building in the Textile Sector, SAMARTH, aims to train 3 lakh people.
Conclusion
- The growth of India’s silk industry is supported by various government schemes.
- These efforts help farmers, weavers, and rural families, ensuring India’s silk industry thrives.
- With further support, India can become a global leader in silk while preserving its traditional silk-making practices.
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Practice Question: Discuss the role of sericulture in India’s economy, highlighting its contribution to rural employment and foreign exchange. (250 Words /15 marks) |
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