In a strategic move to enhance the livelihoods of farmers engaged in sericulture and allied occupations, the Punjab government has unveiled its own line of state-branded silk products. The initiative was officially launched during the State-Level Silk Day function held at the Model Government Sericulture and Integrated Processing Area (MGSIPA).
Horticulture Minister S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra introduced the department’s new logo for silk products, signaling the beginning of this ambitious project. “Our goal is to double silk production in Punjab by the end of 2025,” he announced, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting the silk industry.
Sericulture is currently practiced in approximately 230 villages across the sub-mountainous districts of Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, and Ropar. Between 1,200 to 1,400 silk rearers are involved in this occupation, predominantly among those living below the poverty line, landless individuals, or small landholders. “A silk rearer today earns between Rs.40,000 to Rs.50,000 annually, which is inadequate,” Jauramajra pointed out, highlighting the urgent need for better income opportunities.
The state primarily produces two types of silk: bivoltine mulberry and eri silk. Annually, Punjab rears between 1,000 to 1,100 ounces of mulberry silk seeds, resulting in 30,000 to 35,000 kilograms of mulberry silk cocoons. Additionally, 200 ounces of eri silk seeds yield 5,000 to 8,000 kilograms of eri silk cocoons.
To address the issue of fair pricing and enhance farmers’ earnings, the Chief Minister, S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, will spearhead the establishment of state-owned reeling units. A new reeling unit is currently being set up in Pathankot, which is expected to convert cocoons into silk thread, potentially increasing the income of silk rearers by 1.5 to 2 times. Furthermore, the government plans to reactivate the sole silk seed production center in Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, to lower production costs and provide affordable seeds to farmers.
Special Chief Secretary (Horticulture) K.A.P. Sinha highlighted the support infrastructure available to silk farmers, including 13 government sericulture farms that offer plantation assistance, distribution of silkworm eggs, rearing support, and cocoon marketing assistance. “Our technical staff is dedicated to providing all necessary facilities to ensure the success of our silk farmers,” Sinha remarked.
Director of Horticulture, Mrs. Shailender Kaur, underscored the sector’s reliance on the labor of underprivileged populations and its vast potential for growth. She detailed several initiatives aimed at revitalizing ericulture and exploring the production of tussar silk, with the long-term vision of establishing a distinctive “Punjab Silk” brand. These efforts are designed to engage more farmers in sericulture and ensure better pricing mechanisms.
During the event, Minister Jauramajra honored silk farmers from the Kandi region for their contributions to silk production. He also praised the team responsible for designing the new logo, including Deputy Director S. Dalbir Singh, Horticulture Development Officer S. Lakhbir Singh, Assistant Sericulture Nodal Officer Miss Meenu, and Phase Scheme Consultant Mr. Yuvraj Singh. A documentary film and brochure were released to inspire more individuals to join the silk industry.
Prominent attendees included Ashok Bhalerao, Assistant Superintendent (Technical) at the Central Silk Board in New Delhi; Balwinder Singh, Assistant Director-cum-Sericulture Officer in Mukerian, Hoshiarpur; and other key officials from the sericulture sector.
The Punjab government’s initiative to brand and promote state-produced silk products marks a pivotal step towards empowering farmers and elevating the sericulture industry. By ensuring fair prices and expanding production capabilities, the government aims to transform sericulture into a more lucrative and sustainable livelihood for thousands of Punjab’s rural families.
