JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir recorded a total cocoon production of 821.75 metric tonnes in 2023-24, which slightly declined to 814.18 metric tonnes in 2024-25. The sericulture sector, which supports around 27,000 families across the Union Territory, has been the focus of several government initiatives aimed at enhancing production, increasing farmer incomes, and reviving its traditional importance.
To support silkworm rearers, the government has increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for commercial dry cocoons from Rs 510 to Rs 800 per kg in the past year. Similarly, seed cocoon rates have been raised significantly from Rs 400 to Rs 1,300 per kg to encourage more farmers to take up seed cocoon rearing. Financial assistance for constructing rearing houses has also been enhanced from Rs 1.25 lakh to Rs 1.75 lakh per farmer, ensuring better infrastructure for silkworm rearing.
Infrastructure improvements have played a key role in strengthening the sector. The government has initiated the construction of Chawki Rearing Centres (CRCs) for proper incubation and disease-free distribution of Chawki worms to farmers. These centres are expected to improve cocoon quality and yield. Additionally, marketing support has been provided by arranging cocoon sales within districts, enabling farmers to sell their produce locally. With buyers from both within and outside the Union Territory participating in cocoon markets, farmers have fetched competitive prices ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,100 per kg this year.
To further encourage sericulture, production-based incentives for rearers and reelers have been introduced. The Cocoon Bank Revolving Fund, which assists local reeling unit holders, has been increased from Rs 70 lakh to Rs 3.5 crore, ensuring better financial support and reducing dependence on external buyers. Silkworm seed production units have been upgraded to improve the quality of seeds, while extensive mulberry plantations have been carried out through departmental nurseries and farmer-led initiatives. Multi-cropping rearing trials, conducted in collaboration with the Central Sericulture Research and Training Institute (CSRTI) in Pampore, are aimed at shifting from single cropping to multiple cropping patterns to enhance productivity.
The district-wise production figures for 2023-24 show that Anantnag produced 61.33 metric tonnes of cocoons, Kupwara 66.79 metric tonnes, and Baramulla 59.51 metric tonnes. In the Jammu division, Kathua recorded 130.18 metric tonnes, while Udhampur led with 181.61 metric tonnes. These figures indicate the continued importance of sericulture in both regions, particularly for economically weaker sections, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, landless farmers, and other marginalised communities.
Once renowned worldwide, Jammu and Kashmir’s sericulture industry is now undergoing a structured revival with government support. Measures such as technological adoption, capacity-building programmes, and expansion into remote areas are part of a long-term strategy to make the sector sustainable and profitable. With ongoing policy interventions and infrastructure development, sericulture in Jammu and Kashmir is poised for further growth, offering better opportunities for farmers and strengthening the region’s traditional silk industry.
