Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Silk is a natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. The protein fiber of silk is composed mainly of fibroin and is produced by certain insect larvae to form cocoons. Silk in the Indian subcontinent is a luxury good. In India, about 97% of the raw silk is produced in the five Indian states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir. India is the only country in the world which produces all varieties of silk namely tasar, muga and mulberry.
India Silk Industry is second largest producer of silk, contributing to about 18% to the world production. What is however, more noteworthy is the fact that India's requirement of raw silk is much higher than its current production at present. So there is considerable scope for stepping up production of raw silk in the country, overcome the persistent conflict of interest between exporters of silk products and producers of raw silk.
In 2013-14, Indian silk exports stood at US$ 401.39 million. The readymade garments of silk formed the largest segment, generating around 58 per cent of the export earnings from silk, while natural silk yarn, fabrics and made-ups accounted for around 38 per cent of the silk export earnings. The silk production in the country is expected to go up to 16,000 metric tonnes this year from 15,000 metric tonnes last year, according to a silk industry expert.
Top Leading Companies
• Eslarr Enterprise
• Libas Group
• Satyashree Silks & Sarees
• Sakhi Fashions
• Obadiah International
• Aurum Exims
• Om Shree Silk India International Pvt Ltd
• Sreecreations
• Gini Silk Mills Limited
Demand : Past & Future
Year mn sqm
2000-01 298
2001-02 309
2002-03 322
2003-04 336
2004-05 352
2005-06 368
2006-07 387
2007-08 406
2008-09 427
2009-10 450
2010-11 475
2011-12 500
2012-13 626
2013-14 552
2014-15 580
2019-20 745
Market Growth Rates
1990-91-1996-97 3.3%
1996-97-2001-02 3.7%
2001-02-2006-07 4.6%
2006-07-2011-12 5.3%
2011-12-2019-20 5.1%
Sensitivity Coefficient4.0%
Source: NPCS Team