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The Central Silk Board (CSB), a premier statutory organization under the Ministry of Textiles, celebrated its 76th Foundation Day at Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra (GKVK), Bengaluru, on September 20, 2025. The event was marked by high-level participation from government dignitaries, industry experts, scientists, and stakeholders, emphasizing the critical role of sericulture and silk production in India's rural development and agro-industrial growth.
Key Highlights: Celebrations and Honors
Dr. K Sudhakar, Member of Parliament from Chikkaballapura, inaugurated the event and presented awards to outstanding sericulturists who have contributed significantly to advancing the silk industry, recognizing innovations, quality improvement, and sustainable practices.
G Lakshmi Narayana, Member of Parliament from Anantapur, inaugurated a special exhibition showcasing silk products and sericulture technologies, underscoring the sector’s potential to boost rural livelihoods and exports.
Padmini Singla, Joint Secretary (Silk) in the Ministry of Textiles, highlighted India’s ongoing efforts toward achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbharata) in sericulture through research, innovation, and policy support.
Appointment letters were distributed to newly inducted agricultural scientists, affirming CSB's commitment to cutting-edge research and development in sericulture.
Significance of the Silk Sector in India
India is the second-largest producer of silk globally, with a rich diversity of mulberry, tasar, eri, and muga silks, supporting millions of rural households and artisans, particularly in states like Karnataka, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
The government’s focus includes enhancing productivity, quality, and market access while integrating state-of-the-art biotechnologies and sustainable farming practices.
The silk sector is a vital component of India's textile exports, contributing to economic growth, rural employment, and women’s empowerment.
Innovations and Research Focus
The Central Silk Board supports innovations in areas such as silkworm rearing, disease management, rearing practices, cocoon technology, and value addition to raw silk.
Collaborative programs between CSB institutes, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders promote technology adoption among farmers and entrepreneurs.
Efforts are underway to increase the production of high-value specialty silks with improved yield and environmental sustainability.
Social Outreach and Impact
Sericulture empowers rural women by providing income-generating opportunities and promotes community development.
Trainings, awareness drives, and extension programs are regularly conducted through CSB's network to educate farmers on best practices.
The Foundation Day event reiterated the government's commitment to fostering inclusive growth by enhancing the sericulture ecosystem.
Vision for the Future
CSB aims to further strengthen India’s market position by developing global standards, promoting silk-based textiles, and increasing international collaborations.
The board envisages expanding sericulture into new areas and integrating modern supply chain solutions for seamless production-to-market linkage.
The Foundation Day emphasized strategic plans for sustainable expansion aligned with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Startup India’ visions, fostering entrepreneurship in sericulture.
Conclusion
The 76th Foundation Day celebrations of the Central Silk Board were an inspiring reminder of India’s rich silk heritage, scientific progress, and the unyielding spirit of sericulturists across the nation. As India marches toward self-sufficiency and global leadership in silk production, the Central Silk Board’s role remains pivotal in nurturing innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth for generations to come.
Sources: Devdiscourse, Press Information Bureau (PIB), PTI News
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