The 10 Largest Silk-Producing States in India

India is the world’s second-largest silk producer, right after China. India produces different kinds of silk, like mulberry, tasar, eri and muga. Mulberry silk is the most common type of silk that is produced in India and used for making a variety of materials like sarees, dresses and scarves. After eating the leaves of Tasar trees, wild silkworms produce Tasar silk, which is used in many items. Eri silk, which is also used to make shawls, gowns and sarees is produced by silkworms consuming the leaves of the castor oil plant. Muga silk, used to make shawls, gowns and sarees is produced by silkworms that have consumed leaves from the Som tree. Recognized for its remarkable caliber and variety, silk Major contributions to India’s enormous silk production are coming from several states. We will now learn about the top 10 Indian states that produce silk. 

1. Karnataka

Karnataka is one of the top-producing states in India for silk; records from the financial year 2023 show that the state produced 8,722 metric tons of raw silk, the most of any state. Karnataka is well known for producing mulberry silk. Sericulture in the state is thriving in places like Ramanagaram, Bangalore, and Mysore. Karnataka’s silk sarees, especially the famous Mysore silk sarees, are cherished for their elegance and craftsmanship. Due to the highest amount of silk production, Karnataka has secured first place among the top 10 silk-producing states in India.

2. Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh became a major player in the silk industry; in 2023, it ranked second with a maximum production of 6,903 metric tons of silk. The important silk production centers of Andhra Pradesh are located in Dharmavaram, Pochampalli, Venkatagiri, and Narayanpet, contributing to the state’s prominence in the silk sector. The state is known for its pochampally silk, which is characterized by its intricate designs and vibrant colors.

3. Assam

Assam is renowned for its indigenous silk varieties, notably Muga and Eri silk. Muga silk, known for its golden hue, is produced exclusively in Assam. In 2023, 5,004 metric tons of silk were produced in Assam. It also produces other types of silk, including mulberry silk and Eri silk.

4. Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is home to the renowned Kanchipuram silk industry and is the country’s fourth-largest silk producer. The state is a producer of mulberry, Tasar, Eri, and Muga silk, among other types of silk. With the higher volume of silk production, the state produced 1,886 metric tons last year. The most popular form of silk produced in Tamil Nadu is mulberry silk, which is used to make scarves, dress materials, and sarees, among other items. Silkworms that consume the leaves of the Tasar tree produce the wild silk known as Tasar silk. Many goods, such as shawls, dress fabrics, and sarees, are made with it.

5. West Bengal

In 2023, West Bengal recorded a massive history in silk production, with a higher production of 1,325 metric tons. West Bengal is famous for the renowned Bishnupur silk industry and is the fifth-largest silk producer in India. The state is a producer of mulberry, Tasar, Eri, and Muga silk. The most popular kind of silk produced in West Bengal is mulberry silk, which is used to make scarves, dress materials, and sarees, among other items. West Bengal is famous for its production of Tasar silk, particularly in areas like Malda, Murshidabad, and Bankura.

6. Meghalaya

Eri silk is made from the cocoons of Eri silkworms. Meghalaya is the largest producer of Eri silk, which is found in the northeastern states of India. As per the report from the previous year, Meghalaya produced 1,014 metric tons of Eri silk. Eri silk is known for its softness and warm, earthy colors. It is used to make a variety of garments, including sarees, dresses, shawls, and blankets. From raising silkworms to dying and weaving, the whole value chain is ingrained in the social and cultural fabric of the state. Notably, Eri silk production is an environmentally benign technique because natural substances are used in the dyeing process.

7. Jharkhand

Jharkhand is known for its contribution to the production of Tasar silk, particularly in the areas of Ranchi and Hazaribagh. The state’s sericulture sector plays a significant role in empowering local communities and preserving the traditional art of silk weaving. 834 metric tons of Eri silk were produced in Jharkhand, according to the report from the previous year. The cocoons of Tasar silkworms, which inhabit the jungles of central and eastern India, are used to make Tasar silk.Tasar silk is special for its strength and golden color. Numerous clothing items, such as sarees, dresses, blouses, and jackets, are made using it.

8. Maharashtra

Maharashtra’s silk industry focuses on the production of mulberry silk, with regions such as Nagpur and Pune playing a crucial role in sericulture activities. Although it is considered a non-traditional silk-producing state, Maharashtra produces both mulberry and tasar silk. Despite this, it has produced 414 metric tons of silk from sericulture. The production figures place Maharashtra in the 8th position among silk-producing states in India. Overall, Maharashtra contributes to India’s silk production, with a focus on high-quality bivoltine mulberry silk. Kolhapur district is a major center for sericulture in Maharashtra.

9. Manipur

Manipur is situated in northeast India and has a long and rich tradition of silk production. Manipur produces all four types of natural silk like mulberry, tasar, eri and muga. Mulberry silk is the most common, and its production is concentrated in the valley districts. According to the report for 2023, 328 metric tons of silk were produced in Manipur. Eri silk, produced from castor leaves, and Tasar silk, which comes from oak trees, are also practiced in specific regions of the state. Interestingly, Muga silk, cultivated from mulberry leaves and fed to a specific type of silkworm, is only produced in the Jiribam.

10. Nagaland

Nagaland is one of the main Eri silk-producing states. Eri silk is made from the cocoons of Eri silkworms, which are found in the northeastern states of India. Nagaland’s climate and geography are well-suited for Eri silk production. This allows all four types of silkworms, like mulberry, Eri, Muga, and Tasar to be raised in the state. According to last year’s data, 304 metric tons of Eri silk were produced in Nagaland. Eri silk is known for its softness and its warm, earthy colors. It is used to make a variety of garments, including sarees, dresses, shawls, and blankets.

Conclusion

India’s silk-producing states collectively contribute to the country’s rich textile and silk heritage. From the golden hues of Assam’s Muga silk to the intricate designs of Varanasi’s Banarasi silk sarees, each state brings its unique flavor to India’s diverse silk industry. As we celebrate this ancient craft, let’s acknowledge the skill and dedication of artisans across the country who continue to keep India’s silk legacy alive and thriving.