Himachal’s Silk Farmers Celebrate Record Cocoon Prices, Boost from ‘Him Silk Mission’
In a major win for Himachal Pradesh’s silk farmers, the state’s sericulture sector has reached a new high. Cocoon growers have secured a record-breaking price of ₹1,960 per kilogram in the open auction market—the highest ever seen in Himachal’s history.
For farmers who depend on sericulture as a key source of income, this milestone is more than just a number—it’s a sign of growth, resilience, and better days ahead.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu congratulated both farmers and the department officials for the achievement. He noted that sericulture is quickly emerging as a reliable supplementary income stream, especially for marginal and small farmers who often rely on multiple livelihoods to support their families.
The timing of this achievement is significant. It comes shortly after the state government announced the “Him Silk Mission” in its latest budget, allocating ₹2 crore to strengthen the sector. The initiative is designed to give a comprehensive push to silk production in Himachal.
Under the mission, efforts will focus on improving cocoon quality, expanding mulberry plantations, and introducing modern techniques to farmers. The government is also aiming to bring more women and young people into sericulture while upgrading marketing systems to ensure farmers get fair and competitive prices.
Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan described the record rate as a “proud moment” for the state. He credited the department’s consistent support—ranging from providing quality silkworm seeds to offering training, technical guidance, disease control, and better market access—for helping farmers achieve higher-quality produce and better returns.
Another major factor behind the success, officials say, is the transparent auction system. Open cocoon auction markets have ensured fair competition among buyers, allowing farmers to benefit from the true value of their produce.
Looking ahead, the government is optimistic. The Him Silk Mission is expected to strengthen the entire silk value chain—from production to marketing—creating long-term growth opportunities for farmers. There is also a clear ambition to position Himachal Pradesh as a leading producer of high-quality bivoltine silk in India.
For now, though, the mood among farmers is celebratory. After years of effort, this record price is a strong signal that their hard work is paying off—and that the future of silk farming in Himachal looks brighter than ever.
