Policy Update
R.Tejaswini
Background
Indian silk production is among the oldest and most vibrant textile traditions in the world. India is one of the few countries in the world which produces all major varieties of silk, making its silk production unique and diverse. The need for an integrated scheme for development of the sericulture industry led to the continuation of Silk Samagra-2 in 2021. The scheme was approved for 5 years from 2021-22 to 2025-26 with a total outlay of ₹ 4,424.90 crore. Silk Samagra-2 is an extension of the silk samagra scheme from 2017, continuing to maintain integrated efforts towards the development of India’s sericulture sector.
It is jointly implemented by the Central Silk Board (CSB) and State Sericulture Departments to improve the production, quality and productivity of raw silk, technology upgradation and rural employment. The scheme focuses on the entire silk value chain, covering mulberry, non-mulberry and post-cocoon sectors. The scheme also focuses on four major components to cover all aspects of the sector for comprehensive development, namely –
(1) R&D, training, transfer of technology and IT initiatives.
(2) Seed organisation.
(3) Coordination and market development
(4) Quality certification systems, export, brand promotion and tech upgradation.
Objectives
1. It aims to make India self-reliant in producing high-quality bivoltine silk to reduce dependency on imports.
2. It focuses on generating rural employment for small farmers including women and SCs/STs to achieve inclusive development.
3. To improve raw silk quality and production across the silk value chain.
4. Enhance labour productivity in silk production through R&D, skill development, silkworm breeding and providing user-friendly tech.
Functioning
Silk Samagra-2 is a Central Sector Scheme implemented through a chain of CSB units functioning under the four major components. It operates through a dual framework consisting of overall implementation by CSB and field level implementation by State Sericulture Departments. CSB focuses on core activities such as R&D, seed organisation for maintenance of seed multiplication, market and brand development by promoting “Silk Mark” label and providing IT services and quality certification. Field level interventions are implemented by the State Sericulture Departments or other state departments functioning with financial support from the CSB.
The scheme is implemented in cluster mode, providing assistance for silkworm rearing, establishing small and medium reeling units, eco-friendly processing and support for the entire silk value chain. It also provides support to North Eastern states by implementing projects in that region to establish a balanced local value chain. The financial framework of the scheme involves a shared funding model between the Central government (CSB), State government and beneficiaries. To ensure transparency in fund transfer, funds are directly transferred to beneficiaries. Monitoring framework involves geo-tagging of all the infrastructure and monitoring committees at the central and state level to ensure efficiency and accountability.
Performance
As of 2026 ₹1,374.44 crore has been allocated to states from ₹ 4,411.85 crore released suggesting that relatively less share of funds have been allocated. The scheme has so far covered 1,12,385 beneficiaries, which includes both farmers and reelers,demonstrating its outreach capacity. A significant share of SC/ST communities are beneficiaries of the scheme contributing towards inclusive livelihood generation. Its performance can also be traced through the tangible infrastructure outcomes. Standing true to its comprehensive approach across the silk value chain, it has provided assistance for construction of rearing houses and support for the post-cocoon sector indicating strengthening of the value chain. The scheme has further contributed to progress in productivity and quality.
This is evidenced by an evaluation, which indicates increase in raw silk productivity and production of international quality silk. The state wise distribution of funds under the scheme indicates higher allocation to key silk-producing states such as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, while the focus on North Eastern states indicates regional expansion. In conclusion, the scheme demonstrates progress in silk production and infrastructure expansion yet gaps in fund allocation and implementation indicate the need for a more balanced and efficient execution.
Impact
The Silk Samagra-2 scheme has had a significant impact on the economic conditions of the stakeholders and the structural aspects of India’s silk industry. There has been a significant increase in raw silk and high-quality bivoltine silk production, enhancing India’s global competitiveness. The impact of the scheme is also seen in the changing trends in silk imports. After 2023, there has been a gradual decline in raw silk imports, indicating improving domestic capacity and a shift towards self-reliance.
Notably, the scheme has a positive influence on India’s silk exports, reflecting steady but gradual growth in the sector. This demonstrates the scheme’s contribution towards strengthening India’s position in global silk trade. From 2023-24 to 2024-25 the scheme has contributed to a 2.11% increase in employment generation in the silk sector. By providing employment opportunities, it has improved the socio-economic conditions of beneficiaries. The inclusion of marginalised communities and targeted focus in North Eastern states signify its efforts in promoting inclusive and regionally balanced development. Overall, the scheme has made integrated efforts towards the goal of achieving self-reliance while supporting rural livelihoods.
Emerging Issues
The scheme has achieved significant improvements, yet it faces certain issues. Firstly, despite a gradual decline in imports, continued dependence reveals the need to further strengthen the silk production sector. Secondly, there exists a significant gap between fund allocation and production outcomes revealing inefficient use of funds. Key producing states show better production rates compared to emerging regions reflecting persistent regional disparities, and to address this issue the scheme consists of targeted interventions. Lastly, the widespread presence of artificial silk products in the market under the guise of original silk is being addressed through the Silk Mark label.
Way Forward
The scheme should evolve towards strengthening implementation and ensuring alignment between fund allocation and outcomes. Greater focus on strengthening convergence with other schemes such as MGNREGA and RKVY should be strengthened to mobilise additional resources. Incorporating sustainable practices and climate-resilient sericulture can ensure sustained growth of the silk sector. Increasing targeted interventions under the SC Sub-Plan and region-specific strategies in North East can enhance inclusivity and improve livelihoods of marginalised communities. In conclusion, strengthening coordination between Center and States and ensuring regular fund release will be important to ensure balanced growth and effective functioning of the scheme.
References
- Press Information Bureau (2026), Implementation and Impact of Silk Samagra Yojana-2, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India – https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2239558&utm_source=chatgpt.com®=3&lang=2
- Parliament of India (2025), Unstarred Question No. 2555 on Silk Sector, Rajya Sabha Secretariat – https://sansad.in/getFile/annex/270/AU2555_dOYSNe.pdf?source=pqars
- Press Information Bureau (2025), Development of Silk Sector, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India – https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2120877®=3&lang=2
- Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) (2025), Silk Samagra-2 Policy Document – https://citiindia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SILK-SAMAGRA-2.pdf
- Central Silk Board (2023), Annual Report 2022–23, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India – https://csb.gov.in/sites/default/files/annual-report/AR-2022-23.pdf
- Ministry of Textiles (2025), Annual Report / Official Document on Textile Sector – https://www.texmin.gov.in/static/uploads/2025/06/11da611c5a2fc8cd56f155be3fe6dcdd.pdf
- Central Silk Board (n.d.), Note on Sericulture, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India – https://csb.gov.in/sites/default/files/downloads/noteOnSeri.pdf
About the Contributor
R.Tejaswini is a Research Intern at IMPRI. She is pursuing a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai. Her research interests include India’s foreign policy and Public policy.
Acknowledgement
The author extends her sincere gratitude to the IMPRI team for their invaluable guidance throughout the process.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organization.
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