What is the Central Silk Board?
- Central Silk Board is the apex statutory body for the development of the silk industry in India
- It functions as an advisory body to the Government of India on all matters related to sericulture and silk production
- Established under the Central Silk Board Act, 1948
- Operates under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India
- Headquartered at Bengaluru, Karnataka
Objectives
- Promote research and development in sericulture and silk production
- Improve quality and productivity of silk
- Develop new technologies in mulberry and non-mulberry silk
- Support employment generation in rural and semi-rural areas
- Enhance export competitiveness of Indian silk
Functions
- Advises the Union Government on silk policy, planning, and regulation
- Conducts scientific research through Central Silk Board research institutes
- Coordinates development programs with State Governments
- Provides technical assistance and training to silk farmers and reelers
- Maintains quality standards for silk and silk products
- Promotes sericulture-based livelihoods, especially for women
Types of Silk Covered
- Mulberry silk
- Tasar silk
- Eri silk
- Muga silk
Institutional Structure
- Board consists of representatives from
- Central Government
- State Governments
- Parliament
- Silk industry experts
- Operates through regional offices, research institutes, and training centres
Key Schemes Implemented
- Silk Samagra Scheme (integrated development of sericulture)
- Catalytic Development Programme (CDP)
- Support for cluster development and farmer-based interventions
Economic and Social Significance
- India is the second-largest producer of silk globally
- Sericulture is a labour-intensive activity with low capital requirement
- Provides employment to millions, particularly
- Small and marginal farmers
- Women and tribal communities
