International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development
2025, Vol. 8, Issue 8, Part B
State and central government initiatives to strengthen sericulture sector in Andhra Pradesh
M Parasuramudu, M Venkatesh Prasad and K Nandhini
Silk is considered one of the finest natural fibers, admired worldwide for its unique luster, smooth texture, excellent dyeing capacity, high absorbency, lightweight, and remarkable strength. Because of these qualities, it is often referred to as the "Queen of Textiles." Apart from its aesthetic appeal, sericulture serves as an important source of income for millions of people, as it is a labor-intensive, low-investment, and highly rewarding activity. Its strong rural base, combining both farm and non-farm components, along with its capacity to generate employment on a large scale, has made sericulture an important sector for the socio-economic growth of countries with predominantly agrarian economies, such as India.
India is uniquely positioned as the only nation that produces all five commercially significant varieties of silk: mulberry, tropical tasar, oak tasar, eri, and muga. Among these, muga silk, known for its golden-yellow sheen, is found exclusively in India. The cultivation of mulberry silkworms is mainly concentrated in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, which are the major silk-producing states. Additionally, the North Eastern Region stands out as the sole area in the country that produces four types of silk—mulberry, oak tasar, muga, and eri—and contributes around 18% to the total national silk output. With these advantages, India continues to hold the position of the world’s second-largest silk producer.
M Parasuramudu, M Venkatesh Prasad, K Nandhini. State and central government initiatives to strengthen sericulture sector in Andhra Pradesh. Int J Agric Extension Social Dev 2025;8(8):107-113. DOI: 10.33545/26180723.2025.v8.i8b.2251
