Sat Jan 25 13:01:21 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka’s Sericulture Industry Faces Horticultural Competition, Seeks Diversification
**Mysuru, January 25, 2025** – While Karnataka remains India’s top raw silk producer, the sericulture industry is facing challenges. Horticulture is increasingly attracting farmers in the southern parts of the state, leading to a decline in mulberry cultivation, according to P. Sivakumar, Member Secretary of the Central Silk Board (CSB). Although cocoon prices remain strong, the allure of lucrative horticulture markets is proving difficult to compete with.
Despite this, Karnataka accounts for 40% of India’s 29,000 tonnes of mulberry raw silk production (out of a national total of 39,000 tonnes). To address the challenges, Sivakumar stressed the need for diversification beyond fabric production. The CSB is promoting the use of silk in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products, citing examples of Thailand’s anti-aging cream and Singapore’s import of silk pupae for human consumption. Other applications include sericin-based bread and the use of dried pupae in animal feed.
India is also expanding its role in the global sericulture market. Export of silkworm eggs has increased significantly in the last few years, reaching countries like Iran, Uganda, and Egypt. Furthermore, India is not only exporting sericulture equipment but is also poised to export indigenously produced Automatic Reeling Machines (ARMs). The industry’s focus on diversification and global expansion aims to ensure the continued prosperity of Karnataka’s sericulture farmers.
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