India's raw silk output drops 21% in FY25 after 3 years of growth: CSB

According to statistics recently released by the Board, India’s raw silk production is expected to fall this year after consistent growth over the past three years. Production had eased to 33,770 tons in 2020–21 from 35,820 tons in the preceding year. However, it rose to 34,903 tons in 2021–22, 36,582 tons in 2022–23, and 38,913 tons in 2023–24.

Mulberry silk is the dominant variety in the country’s total silk production, contributing more than 75 per cent in the latest year. As per the Board’s provisional estimates for April 2024–December 2024, India produced 23,131 tons of mulberry raw silk. Among the other varieties, the production of Tasar raw silk was 1,079 tons, Eri 6,217 tons, and Muga 187 tons.

India’s raw silk exports were valued at $215 million during April 2024–December 2024. Exports reached $244 million in the previous year, 2023–24 (April–March), compared to $221 million in 2022–23.

India also imported 1,561 tons of raw silk in April–December 2024, compared to 2,650 tons in the full year 2023–24 and 3,874 tons in 2022–23. Raw silk imports were valued at $92 million in April–December 2024. Imports were valued at $152 million in 2023–24 (April–March) and $214 million in 2022–23.

The CSB also provided price trends for silk products in domestic markets. The average price of mulberry reeling cocoons (CB) was ₹434 per kg at the Ramanagaram cocoon market. The average price was ₹400 per kg in 2023–24 and ₹524 per kg in 2022–23. Raw silk was priced at ₹3,602 per kg at the Karnataka Silk Exchange during the current year. Prices were ₹3,931 per kg in 2023–24 and ₹4,590 per kg in 2022–23.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KUL)