Central Silk Board: Silk Production and Research in India

Category: Agriculture / Government Institutions

UPSC Notes

The Central Silk Board (CSB) is a statutory body established under the Central Silk Board Act, 1948. It operates under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

It supports the development of India's silk industry through research, technical assistance, coordination and sericulture development.

Major functions

  • Promote sericulture and silk production.

  • Support research on silkworms, host plants and silk technology.

  • Improve productivity and quality across the silk value chain.

  • Provide technical assistance and extension support.

  • Help coordinate silk-sector development programmes.

Major types of commercial silk in India

  • Mulberry silk.

  • Tasar silk.

  • Eri silk.

  • Muga silk.

Key Pointers for UPSC

  • Established: 1948.

  • Legal status: Statutory body.

  • Administrative ministry: Ministry of Textiles.

  • Sector: Sericulture and silk.

  • Muga silk: Particularly associated with Assam.

  • Sericulture involves rearing silkworms for silk production; it links agriculture, rural livelihoods and textile manufacturing.