The Punjab government is set to make a significant foray into the silk market with state-produced silk products under its own label, aiming to boost local production and farmer incomes. At a recent state-level Silk Day function, Horticulture Minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra outlined ambitious plans to double silk production by 2025 and introduce government-run reeling units to ensure better prices for farmers. With silk farming predominantly practiced in sub-mountainous regions by economically vulnerable communities, the state’s initiatives, including the reactivation of a key silk seed production center, promise to transform the sector by enhancing productivity and profitability.

Punjab Government to Launch State-Produced Silk Products

State Label to Boost Local Silk Industry

The Punjab government announced plans to introduce silk products under its own label, marking a strategic move to enhance the market presence of locally produced silk. This initiative, unveiled during the state-level Silk Day function, is part of a broader effort to revitalize the sericulture sector and provide direct market access to silk farmers, enhancing their income prospects. Horticulture Minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra launched the official logo for these silk products, symbolizing the state’s commitment to this endeavor.

Plans to Double Silk Production by 2025

Expanding Sericulture Across Key Districts

Minister Jouramajra set an ambitious target to double the state’s silk production by 2025. Sericulture is currently practiced in approximately 230 villages across Punjab’s sub-mountainous districts, including Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, and Rupnagar. The state primarily produces bivoltine mulberry and eri silk, key varieties known for their high quality. Annual production includes 30,000 to 35,000 kg of mulberry silk cocoons and 5,000 to 8,000 kg of eri silk cocoons, highlighting the potential for significant growth if properly supported.

Economic Impact on Marginalized Communities

Focus on Enhancing Farmer Incomes

Silk farming in Punjab is predominantly practiced by people living below the poverty line, including landless individuals and those with small landholdings. Currently, silk farmers earn an average annual income of ₹40,000 to ₹50,000, a figure deemed insufficient given the labor-intensive nature of the occupation. The government’s new initiatives aim to substantially increase these earnings by improving production processes and market access, directly benefiting these marginalized communities.

Establishment of Government-Run Reeling Units

Ensuring Fair Prices for Silk Farmers

To address the issue of fair pricing for silk produce, the Punjab government is establishing its own reeling units for processing cocoons into silk thread. A key reeling unit is being set up in Pathankot, and once operational, it is expected to increase farmers' income by 1.5 to 2 times. This facility will not only enhance value addition but also provide a guaranteed market for the farmers’ produce, directly addressing price volatility issues in the silk market.

Revival of Dalhousie Silk Seed Production Center

Reducing Costs and Improving Seed Accessibility

A significant step in the state’s sericulture strategy is the reactivation of its sole silk seed production center in Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh. This move aims to reduce production costs and provide high-quality seeds to farmers at affordable rates, thus enhancing overall productivity. By securing a stable and cost-effective supply of silk seeds, the government seeks to empower local farmers and reduce dependency on external sources.

Infrastructure and Support for Silk Farmers

Government Farms and Technical Assistance

Special Chief Secretary (Horticulture) K A P Sinha highlighted the existing infrastructure in the state, which includes 13 government sericulture farms. These farms are equipped to provide essential facilities to silk farmers, such as plantation assistance, distribution of silkworm eggs, rearing young silkworms, and support for cocoon marketing. The technical staff at these farms play a crucial role in enhancing the operational efficiency of silk farming, contributing to the government’s overarching goal of doubling production.