Country's mulberry silk production is about 16,000 metric tones (both multi and bivoltine) and during the 12th plan period, the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India is contemplating to boost production to 23,000 metric tones. Even if the target is achieved, there will be a shortage of mulberry silk as the demand is increasing considerably.

Bivoltine Silk is required in large volumes by our silk fabric exporters. It is estimated that about 10,000 metric tones are entering the country officially, and also a substantial quantity is entering the country unofficially through Nepal and Bangla borders. Country's mulberry silk production is about 16,000 metric tones (both multi and bivoltine) and during the 12th plan period, the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India is contemplating to boost production to 23,000 metric tones. Even if the target is achieved, there will be a shortage of mulberry silk as the demand is increasing considerably. The silk production in Japan had dropped significantly during 1987 which was filled by China by massive investments in on-farm sector thereby assumed an unassailable lead in the silk market. It is estimated that the present production of silk in China is about 85,000 to 90,000 metric tones as against 1,30,000 metric tones during 2006. In China, millions of small farmers are engaged in cocoon production and the conversion is carried out on automatic reeling machines, thus ensuring uniform quality. This is the plus point of China silk. The Central Silk Board and the state sericulture departments are trying to increase Bivoltine cocoon production to meet the demand of the power loom and exporters. In spite of various measures taken by them, significant success is not achieved on this direction. However, the news now emanating from China favors Indian silk industry. The sericulture in China is loaded with heavy subsidies coupled with the supply of compulsory low-cost labor. The recent reports emanating from China indicate a policy shift from this position with more liberal choice on jobs and occupations.

Experts feel that with these policy changes along with industrialization and decreasing population growth, silk production in China will be on declining side. Their main concentration is towards food grains and vegetables, as arable land is less compared to our country.

Weather is not favorable throughout the year in China. In India weather condition is favorable throughout the year in the traditional mulberry silk producing states and the present Chinese scenario is a good chance for India to cash in on the potential demand for silk in the world.

The Bivoltine silk reeled locally on the Automatic Reeling machine (imported from China) is in great demand and sold on par with Chinese imported silk rates. To improve the quality of silk reeling, the Central Silk Board has developed multi-end reeling units for the production of quality silk. A large number of such units are working today, but unfortunately, silk reeled on these machines are not getting good prices. These multi-end reelers have to procure Bivoltine cocoons in the open market and the price offered by the weaver is comparatively low. It is possible to produce high-quality silk on the multi-end machines also with limited output. This anomaly has to be set right. Even in the imported automatic reeling machine, the silk outputs hardly 280 grams per day/per end on a 2 shift basis. Power looms require uniform quality of silk for productivity.

We have a strong consumer base. In South India, in all auspicious occasions irrespective of their financial condition, silk saree/dress material is a must. Silk sarees are gifted to the relatives and friends of the bride and bridegroom. Silk produced locally is sold without any difficulty and this is a positive note of the silk industry. The demand is increasing.