Central Silk Board (CSB)

Recently, the Government of India increased the financial approval limit of the Central Silk Board from ?50 lakh to ?1 crore by amending Rule 22 of the Central Silk Board Rules, 1955. This step is intended to improve administrative efficiency and speed up decision-making for projects related to the development of the silk industry in India.

About Central Silk Board

The Central Silk Board (CSB) is a statutory body established in 1948 through an Act of Parliament to promote and regulate the development of the silk sector in India.

The Board functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

Its headquarters is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

The Board serves as the apex institution responsible for policy advice, research, and the promotion of sericulture activities across the country.

Mandate of the Central Silk Board

Advisory Role to the Government

One of the primary responsibilities of the Central Silk Board is to advise the Central Government on all matters related to the development of the silk industry, including policies concerning the import and export of raw silk.

Industry Monitoring and Reporting

The Board is responsible for preparing reports and providing data related to the silk sector whenever required by the Government. These reports assist in policy formulation and sectoral planning.

Promotion of Scientific Sericulture

The Board promotes modern and scientific methods of sericulture in order to increase productivity, improve the quality of silk, and enhance the overall efficiency of the industry.

Employment Generation

Sericulture is a labour-intensive activity, and the Board works to create employment opportunities and increase income levels for rural households, especially farmers, artisans, and small producers.

Silk Production in India

Global Position

India is the second-largest producer and consumer of silk in the world, making the sector important for rural employment, traditional industries, and exports.

Growth in Production

India’s raw silk production has shown consistent growth, increasing from 31,906 metric tonnes in 2017–18 to 38,913 metric tonnes in 2023–24, reflecting the expansion and modernization of the sericulture sector.

Major Silk-Producing States

The leading silk-producing states include:

• Karnataka – the largest producer of silk in India

• Andhra Pradesh

• Other important contributors include Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Assam.

Major Varieties of Silk Produced in India

India is unique in producing all four major varieties of natural silk, which include:

• Mulberry Silk – the most widely produced variety

• Eri Silk – known for its softness and warmth

• Tasar Silk – produced mainly in forest areas

• Muga Silk – a golden-coloured silk unique to Assam

Conclusion

The Central Silk Board plays a crucial role in the growth and regulation of India’s silk industry. By promoting scientific sericulture, supporting rural livelihoods, and advising the government on policy matters, the Board contributes significantly to strengthening India’s position as a major global producer of silk. The recent increase in its financial approval limit is expected to enhance operational efficiency and accelerate development initiatives in the sericulture sector.