Punjab Forest Dept Targets Silk Surge to Slash Rs112b Imports

Reviving Sericulture in Punjab: A Path to Economic Growth

Punishing the decline of its sericulture sector, the Punjab Forest Department is implementing a series of measures aimed at revitalizing local silk production. This initiative seeks to increase domestic silk output and reduce Pakistan's reliance on imported silk, which costs the country approximately Rs112 billion annually. Sericulture has long been a vital source of income for thousands of families in rural Punjab, despite facing various challenges over the years.

Over 4,000 households, including nearly 4,000 women, are currently involved in silkworm farming across the province. Farooq Bhatti, Deputy Director of Sericulture at the Punjab Forest Department, highlighted that silkworm farming operates in two main seasons: January to April and September to October. He explained that silkworms feed exclusively on mulberry leaves, which makes this cottage industry thrive in areas with existing mulberry tree plantations.

Currently, mulberry plants cover around 400 acres across Punjab. The Changa Manga forest alone hosts approximately 150 acres of these plantations, followed by 60 acres in Chichawatni. Other regions with significant mulberry cultivation include Mandi Bahauddin, Kamalia, Rajana, Toba Tek Singh, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Peerowal, and Bahawalpur. However, the sector has faced setbacks over the years.

Farooq noted that until the 1980s, Pakistan ranked 12th among natural silk-producing countries globally. However, local production declined as imported cocoons from India and Central Asia began to replace domestic output. Today, the textile industry imports both synthetic and natural silk yarn worth Rs112 billion each year. By promoting local silk production, the country could save a considerable amount of foreign exchange.

To strengthen the sector, Farooq suggested that the Punjab government should elevate its sericulture wing to a non-timber forest products directorate, similar to the approaches taken by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh. This would allow for better integration of sericulture with other non-timber forest products such as medicinal plants and apiculture (beekeeping).

Enhancing Opportunities for Women in Sericulture

The Punjab Forest Department has also launched a leaf-plucking programme to create better opportunities for women in the sector. Under this initiative, some companies purchase mulberry leaves directly from women silkworm farmers and supply them to pharmaceutical firms. Women are issued permits by the department to sell mulberry leaves at around Rs1,000 per 40 kilograms. If dried during the daytime, the same leaves can fetch up to Rs5,000 per 40 kilograms.

However, the replacement of mulberry trees with eucalyptus in the Changa Manga forest during the 1990s caused serious damage to sericulture by reducing the availability of mulberry leaves. This shift had a lasting impact on the industry.

Potential for Growth and Development

Farmers see significant potential if local seed multiplication and affordable credit facilities are introduced. Rana Saeed Anwar, President of the All-Punjab Silk Farmer and Trader Association, stated that a family can earn around Rs50,000 by rearing silkworms from just one packet of seed. He urged the government to assist farmers in acquiring silk reeling machines so they can convert cocoons into silk yarn themselves instead of relying on middlemen.

Anwar emphasized that boosting mulberry plantations, ensuring easy access to quality silkworm seed, introducing microfinance, and providing reeling technology can help transform Punjab’s sericulture industry. He added that the revival of local silk production would not only enhance rural incomes but also reduce the country’s silk import bill and preserve a centuries-old craft.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite the challenges, there is optimism about the future of sericulture in Punjab. With the right support and policies, the sector has the potential to become a major contributor to the provincial and national economy. By focusing on sustainable practices, technological advancements, and empowering local communities, especially women, the province can reclaim its place in the global silk market.