Employment in the sericulture sector expanded significantly, growing by 23.95 per cent from 78 lakh people in 2013–14 to 98 lakh people in 2024–25.
Shillong, Dec 29: The GI tag awarded to Meghalaya’s iconic fabric Ryndia has been recognised by the Union Ministry of Textiles as one of the most notable achievements of the country’s textiles sector in the year 2025, which was declared the Year of Textile Reforms.
India has witnessed significant expansion in silk and sericulture sectors in the period as the country retained its position as the world’s second-largest producer of silk, with marked improvements across key performance indicators.
Raw silk production rose to 41,121 metric tonnes in 2024–25, a 55 per cent increase from 26,480 metric tonnes in 2013–14. Silk productivity improved by 16.75 per cent, increasing from 96 kg per hectare to 112 kg per hectare during the same period. Mulberry cocoon prices also registered substantial growth, climbing by 46 per cent from Rs. 384 per kg in 2013–14 to Rs. 560 per kg in 2024–25.
Employment in the sericulture sector expanded significantly, growing by 23.95 per cent from 78 lakh people in 2013–14 to 98 lakh people in 2024–25. The sector continued to play a vital role in sustaining rural livelihoods and enhancing women’s participation in economic activities.
The GI recognition of Meghalaya’s Eri silk, Ryndia, has emerged as a landmark development, leading to higher incomes for cocoon farmers, greater rural employment opportunities, increased involvement of women, innovation through GI-based branding, and the promotion of sustainable and eco-friendly silk production.
This recognition underscores the Government of India’s commitment to safeguarding traditional textiles, empowering rural communities, and reinforcing India’s standing in the global textiles and silk industry.
