Question

What is the rank of India in silk production in the world?
1. First
2. Second
3. Third
4. Fourth

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Second

The correct answer is Second.

• India is the second-largest producer of silk in the world with an annual silk production of 23,679 MT (Provisional) in 2012-13. 
• India has the unique distinction of being the only country producing all the five kinds of silk namely, Mulberry, Eri, Muga, Tropical Tasar, and Temperate Tasar.
• Among them, mulberry silk is the most popular variety, which contributes around 79% of the country’s silk production. 

• Sericulture is an important labour-intensive and agro-based cottage industry providing gainful occupation to around 7.63 million persons in rural and semi-urban areas in India. 
• Of these, a sizeable number of workers belong to the economically weaker sections of society. 
• There is substantial involvement of women in this Industry.
• In India, sericulture is mostly a village-based industry providing employment opportunities to a large section of the population. 
• Silk and silk goods are very good foreign exchange-earners. 
• The present global scenario clearly indicates the enormous opportunities for the Indian silk industry. 
• For the development of the silk industry in India, the Central Silk Board, a statutory body, is functioning under the administrative control of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India with its Headquarters in Bengaluru.