State-wise List of Major Silk Producing States in India (2024)
The top silk producing states in India are a key topic in school Geography, Social Science, and competitive exams such as UPSC and SSC. Silk contributes greatly to India’s economy and rural employment. This page covers latest (2024) state rankings, main types of silk, and important facts for easy revision and general awareness.
| Rank | State | 2024 Silk Production (Metric Tons, approx) |
Main Type(s) of Silk Produced | Key Silk Centers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Karnataka | 25,300 | Mulberry | Bengaluru, Kollegal, Melkote |
| 2 | Andhra Pradesh | 13,300 | Mulberry, Tussar | Dharmavaram, Pochampalli |
| 3 | Assam | 6,500 | Muga, Eri | Sualkuchi, Guwahati |
| 4 | West Bengal | 6,200 | Mulberry, Tussar | Murshidabad, Bishnupur |
| 5 | Tamil Nadu | 5,900 | Mulberry | Kanchipuram, Salem |
| 6 | Jharkhand | 5,200 | Tussar | Chaibasa, Saraikela |
| 7 | Chhattisgarh | 4,400 | Tussar | Raigarh, Champa |
| 8 | Uttar Pradesh | 2,900 | Mulberry | Varanasi |
| 9 | Bihar | 2,600 | Tussar | Bhagalpur |
| 10 | Maharashtra | 1,600 | Mulberry | Paithan |
Top Silk Producing States in India (2024)
Karnataka is the largest silk producing state in India for 2024, leading in both output and quality. Andhra Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu rank next. These states together account for more than 80% of India’s total raw silk production. This ranking often appears in school and competitive exam questions.
Types of Silk and Major Producing States
India is unique as it produces all four major commercial silks: Mulberry, Tussar, Eri, and Muga. Different states specialize in different silk types, which is important to learn for exams and interviews.
| Type of Silk | Major Producing States | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Mulberry | Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu | Smooth texture, used for sarees and garments |
| Tussar (Tasar) | Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Bihar | Golden sheen; tribal rural livelihoods |
| Eri | Assam, Meghalaya | Soft, warm, eco-friendly; no insect killed |
| Muga | Assam | Rare, glossy golden silk; exclusive to Assam |
Significance of the Silk Industry in India
The silk industry supports around 10 million livelihoods in India, mainly in rural and semi-rural areas. Sericulture helps women and marginal farmers earn income. India is the second-largest silk producer worldwide and the only country producing all major silk varieties, making it vital for exports, employment, and cultural heritage.
Leading Silk Production Centers
Several cities and districts are famous for silk across India's top producing states:
- Karnataka: Bengaluru, Kollegal, Melkote, Molakalmuru
- Andhra Pradesh: Dharmavaram, Pochampalli, Venkatagiri
- Assam: Sualkuchi (Muga), Guwahati (Eri & Muga)
- West Bengal: Murshidabad, Bishnupur, Birbhum
- Tamil Nadu: Kanchipuram, Salem, Thanjavur
- Bihar: Bhagalpur (Tussar silk hub)
State-Wise Contribution to Indian Silk Output
Karnataka alone contributes nearly 33% of India’s raw silk. Andhra Pradesh and Assam follow. Each state’s share can fluctuate slightly each year. Government schemes help promote sericulture where climate and vegetation support mulberry and host plants.
India and the World: Silk Production Comparison
India ranks second globally in silk production after China. Together, China and India produce over 90% of the world’s silk. Other leading countries are Uzbekistan and Thailand. In 2024, India further strengthened its export profile by providing unique silks like muga and eri.
| Rank | Country | Main Silk Types |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | Mulberry |
| 2 | India | Mulberry, Tussar, Eri, Muga |
| 3 | Uzbekistan | Mulberry |
Quick Revision Facts: Top Silk Producing States
- Karnataka is called the “Silk Capital of India.”
- Muga silk is unique to Assam.
- West Bengal and Jharkhand are top for Tussar (tasar) silk.
- Silk is a question hotspot in state agriculture rankings for UPSC/SSC.
- India produces all four main silk types.
Related Topics and Further Reading
- Learn about Farming in India to understand other important agricultural products.
- Explore Natural Vegetation of India and why certain states are best for sericulture.
- Read Physical Features of the India Map to visualise silk state locations.
- For more on rural economies, see Introduction to Agriculture.
- Find full An Introduction to Resources and Development for silk as a biological resource.
In summary, knowing the top silk producing states in India—especially Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and West Bengal—helps with school studies, competitive exams, and general awareness. Understanding types of silk and their leading regions makes it easier to answer related questions accurately. At Vedantu, we make Social Science topics clear and exam-friendly for all students.
FAQs on Top Silk Producing States in India: Geography & Facts
1. Which state is the largest silk producer in India?
Karnataka is the largest silk producer in India in 2024. Its dominance is largely due to high mulberry silk production.
2. What are the top 3 silk producing states in India?
The top three silk producing states in India in 2024 are: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam. These states contribute significantly to India's sericulture industry and textile economy.
3. Which state is called the silk capital of India?
While there isn't one single 'silk capital', Karnataka, particularly the region around Bengaluru, is often considered a major hub for silk production and trade in India, due to its high mulberry silk output and extensive sericulture activities.
4. What are the major types of silk produced in India?
India produces various types of silk, including: mulberry silk (most common), tussar silk, eri silk, and muga silk. Each type is cultivated differently and has unique qualities.
5. Which state is the highest producer of mulberry silk?
Karnataka is the leading producer of mulberry silk in India. Its favorable climate and established sericulture practices contribute to its high output.
6. Which state produces the highest silk in India?
In 2024, Karnataka is the leading state in terms of overall silk production in India. Its substantial mulberry silk output contributes significantly to this ranking.
7. What state produces the most silk?
Karnataka currently produces the most silk in India. This is attributable to various factors, including suitable climate and established sericulture infrastructure.
8. Who are the top 3 producers of silk in the world?
While precise rankings fluctuate, China, India, and possibly Uzbekistan are usually among the top three silk producers globally. India's position within the top three is largely due to its high mulberry silk output.
9. How does climate influence silk production in different Indian states?
Climate plays a crucial role in silk production. States with suitable temperatures and humidity levels, such as Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, are ideal for mulberry silk cultivation. Different silk types thrive in varied climates.
10. What economic challenges do silk farmers face across leading states?
Silk farmers face challenges like fluctuating silk prices, competition from cheaper synthetic fabrics, and the impact of pests and diseases on silk production. Access to modern sericulture techniques and market linkages is also crucial for their success.
11. How is sericulture promoted as a livelihood in rural India?
Sericulture is promoted through government initiatives focusing on improved silk farming practices, training programs for farmers, providing access to credit and technology, and creating better market access for silk products. This helps boost rural incomes.
12. How do Indian silk states compare to global leaders in production?
India is a major player in the global silk industry, particularly in mulberry silk. While China remains the leading producer, India's silk production and export volumes contribute significantly to the worldwide market.
13. What environmental impacts result from silk farming and processing?
Silk farming and processing can have environmental impacts, including water pollution from dyeing and finishing processes. Sustainable practices, such as using eco-friendly dyes and reducing water consumption, are crucial to minimizing the environmental footprint of the sericulture industry.
