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%