Uttar Pradesh is taking bold strides to empower its rural economies by blending age-old crafts with modern technology. The highlight of these efforts is the newly launched Center of Excellence for silk in Lucknow, a comprehensive facility dedicated to strengthening the silk industry from production to market.
Inaugurated on Monday by Minister Rakesh Sachan at the Silk Directorate complex, the center promises to revolutionize silk farming and weaving in the state. ‘This will be our one-stop platform for production, skill development, quality testing, and sales,’ Sachan declared, underscoring its multifaceted role.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a vivid portrayal of the silk lifecycle: nurturing saplings, planting mulberry trees, rearing silkworms, harvesting cocoons, reeling threads, and weaving exquisite fabrics. It’s an eye-opener for buyers wary of fake silk imitations, equipping them with knowledge to make informed choices.
The venue will host workshops, awareness campaigns, exhibitions, and on-site retail for pure silk items, directly linking producers like farmers and weavers to eager customers. What was once a dormant area now buzzes with purpose, attracting domestic and international tourists keen to explore Mulberry, Eri, and Tussar silk techniques.
Fueled by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s directives, Uttar Pradesh’s silk production has surged since 2022, hitting 300-350 metric tons yearly. Ongoing initiatives include farmer training programs, government subsidies, tech assistance, and robust marketing networks to scale up output and incomes.
As global demand for authentic handcrafted textiles rises, this center positions UP’s silk artisans on the world stage, fostering self-reliance and cultural preservation through economic vitality.
