Punjab Government Introduces Silk Products Under Own Brand to Boost Local Production

The Punjab government has announced plans to launch silk products under its own brand. This initiative was revealed during the state-level Silk Day event, where Horticulture Minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra introduced a new logo for these products. The government aims to double silk production by 2025.

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Silk Production and Varieties

Sericulture is practised in about 230 villages in Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, and Rupnagar. The state produces bivoltine mulberry and eri silk. Annually, 1,000 to 1,100 ounces of mulberry silk seeds yield 30,000 to 35,000 kg of cocoons. Eri silk seeds produce 5,000 to 8,000 kg of cocoons from 200 ounces.

Economic Impact on Farmers

This occupation mainly supports those below the poverty line or with small landholdings. Currently, a silk farmer earns Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 annually, which is inadequate. To address this, the government plans to set up reeling units for processing cocoons into silk thread.

A reeling unit is being established in Pathankot. Once operational, it could increase farmers' income by 1.5 to 2 times. This move aims to ensure that farmers receive better prices for their produce.

Infrastructure and Support

The state has 13 government sericulture farms providing essential facilities like plantation assistance and silkworm egg distribution. Special Chief Secretary Horticulture K A P Sinha highlighted the technical support offered to farmers for rearing young silkworms and marketing cocoons.

The government is also reactivating its sole silk seed production centre in Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh. This step will help reduce production costs and offer affordable seeds to farmers.

By implementing these measures, Punjab aims to boost its silk industry while improving the livelihoods of its farmers.