Gujarat Strengthens Push for Castor-Based Eri Sericulture to Empower Rural Livelihoods
Gandhinagar: Gujarat is taking another significant step toward expanding its rural economy through sustainable sericulture as senior officials from the Ministry of Textiles and the Central Silk Board met with the state’s leadership to discuss the future of castor-based Eri silk cultivation.
Smt. Arti Kanwar, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles, along with Shri P. Sivakumar, Member Secretary of the Central Silk Board, met Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to present the progress of ongoing efforts aimed at promoting and scaling up castor-based Eri sericulture across the state.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the Central and State governments to unlock Gujarat’s potential in Eri silk production. Officials highlighted how the state’s widespread cultivation of castor plants creates a strong foundation for expanding Eri sericulture, an activity that can generate additional income for farming communities without requiring major changes to existing agricultural practices.
Eri silk, often referred to as a sustainable or “peace silk” variety, is produced by silkworms that primarily feed on castor leaves. Since Gujarat is among India’s leading castor-producing states, integrating sericulture with castor cultivation offers a promising opportunity to diversify rural livelihoods while making better use of available agricultural resources.
During the discussion, the delegation outlined ongoing initiatives designed to encourage farmers, women’s self-help groups, and rural entrepreneurs to adopt Eri sericulture as a complementary economic activity. Capacity-building programs, technical guidance, and institutional support are expected to play a key role in expanding the sector across suitable districts.
The initiative also aligns with broader national efforts to strengthen India’s silk industry, reduce regional imbalances in silk production, and create employment opportunities in rural areas. By encouraging value addition through silk rearing and processing, policymakers aim to increase income generation while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was briefed on the progress achieved so far and the roadmap for further expansion of castor-based Eri sericulture. Discussions emphasized the importance of coordinated planning, farmer participation, and institutional partnerships to ensure long-term growth of the sector.
Experts believe that Gujarat’s strong agricultural infrastructure and extensive castor cultivation provide favorable conditions for establishing a robust Eri silk ecosystem. If implemented successfully, the initiative could help create new employment opportunities, particularly for women and rural households, while contributing to India’s growing silk industry.
As the Ministry of Textiles and the Central Silk Board continue working with the Gujarat government, castor-based Eri sericulture is expected to emerge as an important model for combining sustainable agriculture, rural entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic development.
