Silk Farming in Vidarbha: Varieties, Markets, and Farmer Shifts

thenewsdirt
Jun 6
4 min read

Farmers across Vidarbha are finding new direction in silk cultivation. The region’s silk industry is growing steadily, supported by structured government schemes and a marked shift in agricultural choices.

Repeated crop failures and weather uncertainties have pushed farmers towards sericulture, offering new economic possibilities.

With a five-year government plan targeting 10,000 farmers, including women and tribal communities, silk farming is setting a different course for rural livelihoods.

Silk Varieties and Production Practices

The heart of Vidarbha’s sericulture is Tussar silk. Produced by Tussar silkworms, this silk is known for its textured weave and natural golden shine. Its adaptability to the region’s climatic conditions and increasing demand in the market has made it a primary focus.

Tussar silk differs from the more common mulberry silk, possessing natural durability, wrinkle resistance, and breathability, making it favourable for warmer climates.

Tussar silk cultivation depends on the presence of host trees such as arjun and mulberry. To ensure consistent availability, the forest department has introduced plantation drives, especially in tribal areas where afforestation programmes are underway. These efforts form a backbone for silkworm rearing and support broader ecological goals.

Mulberry cultivation also plays a central role in Vidarbha’s sericulture growth. It forms the basis for the traditional silk production chain, offering a long-term option for farmers. Government guidelines require a minimum three-year commitment to mulberry plantations when subsidies are accepted.

These plants begin yielding within two to three years and continue for up to two decades, allowing farmers to maintain steady production with minimal decline over time.

Production practices have evolved with the intervention of organisations such as the Bharatiya Agro Industries Foundation (BAIF).

Group-based models are being encouraged, combining stages like egg production, cocoon rearing, and post-processing.

This integrated approach provides farmers better control over production and improves profit margins. The structure covers the entire chain, from raising silkworms to fabric manufacturing, fostering a more sustainable system.

Government Backing and Incentive Programmes

Government support has been central to sericulture’s rise in Vidarbha. Subsidies cover 75% of the cost of silkworm eggs, alongside financial incentives for reeling operations.

Farmers working with multi-end reeling units receive Rs100 per kilogram, those with automatic units receive Rs150 per kilogram, and tussar reeling units receive Rs100 per kilogram.

These incentives directly encourage the establishment and expansion of reeling centres, enhancing rural employment opportunities.

The state’s five-year plan ensures quicker fund disbursement and stronger implementation.

The plan includes technical training sessions, study tours, and employment-oriented schemes, aiming to equip farmers with practical knowledge for sericulture. The strategy addresses immediate needs like funding and extends to long-term skills development.

The financial assistance extends beyond egg subsidies. Support is available for setting up modern reeling units and silk yarn production centres. Integration with central schemes brings further assistance, while technical upgrades and formalised market links ensure economic viability.

The focus on bivoltine and cross-breed varieties strengthens Vidarbha’s competitiveness by meeting the quality standards necessary for power loom industries.

Subsidy eligibility guidelines require farmers to have reliable water sources for mulberry cultivation. Document verification and field inspections form part of the compliance process. Farmers sign undertakings committing to sericulture for a minimum of three years.

Subsidies also cover costs such as seed cuttings, fertilisers, chemicals, labour, transport, and maintenance, helping farmers manage the initial high investment required for silk production.

Market Demand and Commercial Outcomes

Silk products from Vidarbha, particularly the Karvati Kinar variants, enjoy significant demand in Indian markets. Tussar silk sarees produced in the region are priced between Rs9,990 and Rs14,990, with factors such as fabric quality and pattern intricacy influencing prices.

The natural golden tint of Tussar silk appeals especially during festive and ceremonial events, adding to its popularity.

Colour combinations include natural tones combined with blue, pink, sea green, and red, besides multi-coloured patterns. Jala varieties, known for more complex weaving techniques, fetch prices closer to Rs14,990, reflecting the market’s appreciation for detailed craftsmanship.

These price points open up better earning possibilities for farmers who complete the full cycle from silk cultivation to finished textiles.

Corporate involvement has expanded Vidarbha’s silk industry further. Private firms and social organisations assist with assured purchase agreements and technical guidance, lowering previous barriers associated with unpredictable markets.

This collaboration brings traditional farming knowledge into alignment with structured business models, encouraging sustainable practices and greater security for farmers.

Demand for Vidarbha’s silk products continues to grow beyond local and regional markets. Buyers value the unique texture and natural appeal of Tussar silk, bolstered by quality assurances and traditional workmanship. This consistent demand assures farmers of steady markets, strengthening sericulture’s position as a reliable source of income.

The shift to sericulture presents challenges for farmers adjusting to different cultivation requirements.

Managing silkworm rearing cycles demands precision in temperature and humidity control, feeding schedules, and disease management.

For many farmers, acquiring the necessary skills requires extensive training and a complete reworking of earlier farming methods.

Infrastructure needs are another consideration. Reliable water access, storage facilities, and processing units are essential for effective sericulture. While the government provides support for purchasing machinery and offers technical assistance, setting up these systems demands time and effort from farmers.

Training centres are often located far from rural settlements, requiring significant travel for participation in educational programmes.

Despite these challenges, silk cultivation introduces a more stable alternative to traditional crops, especially significant given Vidarbha’s history with monsoon-related agricultural failures. Mulberry plantations, as perennial crops, provide steadier returns, creating a buffer against climatic uncertainties. This economic stability makes sericulture an attractive option for farmers seeking dependable incomes.

Employment opportunities extend beyond individual households. Family members and local residents participate in various stages of production, from rearing to weaving. Special attention within government programmes towards women and tribal groups recognises their essential role in rural economies.

This inclusive approach distributes benefits more evenly across communities and helps preserve valuable traditional skills crucial to the success of silk production.

The Maharashtra government’s ambitious targets for sericulture in Vidarbha rely on the collaboration of farmers, support organisations, and market developers. Establishing the region as a major silk producer will depend on maintaining high-quality standards, creating efficient supply chains, and ensuring fair pricing structures that reward farmer participation in this growing sector.