Silkworm cocoons market in India

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, India's silkworm cocoon market volume grew from 212.7 thousand tons to 238.8 thousand tons. This increase was driven by government sericulture schemes such as the Sericulture Development Scheme, which focused on reviving and expanding production in northeastern states. The Central Silk Board facilitated the introduction of new mulberry varieties and high-yielding silkworm hybrids, improving cocoon yield and quality. Additionally, the emergence of private chawkie rearing centers and the establishment of cocoon markets enhanced farmer support and price discovery.

After a decline to 225.1 thousand tons in 2021, the market recovered to 259.4 thousand tons by 2023. Continued government initiatives, including skill development programs like SAMARTH and the development of bivoltine silkworm breeds suitable for tropical conditions, fostered growth. Policies promoting cooperative farming models and the modernization of seed production infrastructure, along with efforts to stabilize cocoon prices, contributed to the expansion in production and market volume.

Production silkworm cocoons in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

India was one of the world's top producers of silkworm cocoons from 2017 to 2020, ranking second globally by production volume.

Top producers of silkworm cocoons, 2017-2020

World map of production of silkworm cocoons, 2017-2020

Silkworm cocoon production in India grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 238.8 thousand tonnes, marking a 1.6% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 18%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in India in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports silkworm cocoons from India

Exports in kind, kg

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a tenfold difference between these two years. In 2020, India's foreign supplies of silkworm cocoons totaled 64.1 kilograms, representing a sharp decline of 90.0% from the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 638.0 kilograms, with the largest increase that year of 107.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, the United States, and Germany were the primary buyers of silkworm cocoons from India, accounting for 37.9%, 17.7%, and 15.4% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 71.1% of India's total exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, $ US

The market demonstrated volatility over the observed period. Exports fell to their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2017, with a fivefold change between these years. In 2020, India's export volume of silkworm cocoons amounted to 4 438 US dollars, showing a dramatic increase of 64.8% compared to the prior year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 582 US dollars, with the largest decline that year of 80.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 70.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, Germany, and Brazil were the main destinations for silkworm cocoons from India in value terms, accounting for 41.0%, 15.9%, and 10.1% of exports, respectively. Collectively, these three countries represented 66.9% of India's total exports in value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from India in value, 2017-2020

Imports silkworm cocoons to India

Imports in kind, kg

In 2018, India's volume of silkworm cocoon imports was recorded at 3.9 kilograms, corresponding to a year-on-year gain of 287.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to India in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Italy was the sole source for India's imports of silkworm cocoons in kind, accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to India in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, $ US

In 2018, foreign supplies of silkworm cocoons to India totaled 60 US dollars, up by 398.3% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to India in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Asia, not elsewhere specified, and Italy remained the primary sources for India's imports in value terms, together accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to India in value, 2017-2020