Kashmir’s Silk Industry faces existential crisis
Despite govt push, poor infrastructure threats centuries-old sericulture tradition
By: Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: Kashmir’s once-flourishing silk industry, famed for producing some of the finest bivoltine silk in the country, is now struggling for survival as a combination of out-dated infrastructure, rising pollutionand economic disincentives continue to erode its potential.
Once considered the pride of the Valley’s rural economy, the sericulture sector has witnessed a dramatic fall in both cocoon production and farmer participation over the past few decades.
According to official estimates, cocoon production has plummeted from a peak of 16 lakh kilograms in the mid-20th century to just 9 lakh kilograms in 2019–20. Worse still, only around 5,000 silkworm rearers remain active today, compared to over 60,000 in the 1940s.
Experts and stakeholders blame a combination of factors for the industry’s steady decline. Chief among them is the lack of modern reeling infrastructure within Jammu and Kashmir, forcing nearly 70 percent of raw cocoon output to be sold outside the Union Territory—often at prices well below market value.
“Cocoon farmers in Kashmir are stuck at the mercy of middlemen and outside buyers. The absence of functional reeling units within the Valley means the bulk of the value addition is done outside J&K, leaving local farmers with minimal earnings,” said a senior official from the Department of Sericulture.
The situation is further compounded by environmental pressures. Silkworm rearing in Kashmir heavily depends on the availability of uncontaminated mulberry leaves. However, rising dust pollution from highways and urban expansion has increasingly affected mulberry cultivation, leading to poor-quality leaf fodder and high silkworm mortality—reportedly up to 40 percent in some areas.
In a significant move to counter the crisis, the Jammu and Kashmir government recently approved aRs 91 crore comprehensive project to revive and modernize the silk sector.
The initiative covers the entire sericulture value chain—from improving mulberry plantations and establishing scientific rearing centers to setting up modern reeling and processing units in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
Officials say the project is designed to increase cocoon production from the current 800 metric tons to over 1,350 metric tons annually.
“We are introducing automatic reeling machines, low-cost rearing huts, and scientific chawki (early-stage worm) centers to support farmers,” said an official associated with the project.
The government’s push is being welcomed by industry observers, but many believe timely implementation will be the key.
“This is a crucial opportunity to restore Kashmir’s historic position in India’s silk industry,” said Dr. Bashir Ahmad, a sericulture expert.
“But unless the funds are deployed efficiently and farmers are given assured market linkages and fair pricing mechanisms, the impact will be limited,” he cautioned.
The decline in youth interest in sericulture has also emerged as a major concern. With agriculture no longer seen as a viable livelihood option by younger generations, the government faces an uphill task in rejuvenating rural participation.
“There is a huge need for awareness campaigns, training, and buy-back schemes. Only then can we bring the youth back into silk farming,” said ParvezQadri, a silkworm rearer from Baramulla.
Meanwhile, environmental experts warn that unless pollution along mulberry zones is controlled, especially in high-traffic areas, the revival effort may fall short.
“Pollution directly impacts leaf quality, which in turn reduces cocoon yield. Site selection for mulberry cultivation must be prioritized in cleaner zones,” advised Dr.Muneer Shah, a researcher on agro-climatic sustainability.
While theRs 91 croreproject provides a ray of hope, stakeholders say the government must ensure local processing capacities are enhanced, pricing is made transparent, and farmers are incentivized through direct market linkages to truly harness the silk potential of Kashmir.
The Valley’s centuries-old sericulture legacy hangs in the balance—caught between decay and the promise of a revival. Whether it thrives again or fades into history will depend on what unfolds in the next few crucial years.
