Lucknow: In a major step towards strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s traditional and rural industries, the Yogi Adityanath-led state government has launched a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for the silk industry in Lucknow. The initiative aims to modernise silk production, promote pure silk products, and create direct market access for artisans, farmers and self-help groups under the innovative “Soil to Silk” model.
The Centre of Excellence has been established to showcase the entire silk production process through live and practical demonstrations. From nursery development and mulberry plantation to silkworm rearing, cocoon production, reeling, weaving and the final creation of sarees and garments, every stage of silk making will be displayed in a step-by-step manner. The centre will also help consumers understand how to identify pure silk and distinguish it from fake or blended varieties commonly found in the market.
The centre was inaugurated on Monday by Rakesh Sachan, Minister for MSME, Khadi and Village Industries, Silk Industry, Handloom and Textiles, in the presence of senior officials from the state and central governments. Speaking at the inauguration, the minister said that the Centre of Excellence set up in the Silk Directorate premises is a significant achievement for the state and will serve as a landmark destination for silk-related knowledge and commerce.
“This centre will function not only as a training and awareness hub but also as an exhibition, marketing and sales centre,” Sachan said. “Pure silk garments and products will be sold directly here, ensuring that local weavers, artisans, farmers and self-help groups get direct access to the market and fair prices for their products.”
He added that the location was earlier lying unused and has now been transformed into a modern, well-equipped and functional centre through departmental efforts. The facility is expected to become a major attraction for visitors from across India and abroad, offering firsthand insight into Eri, Mulberry and Tussar silk production processes.
The initiative aligns with the state government’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Uttar Pradesh’, and is expected to significantly strengthen the livelihoods of thousands of families associated with the silk sector. By connecting producers directly with consumers, the Soil to Silk model aims to eliminate middlemen, increase incomes, and preserve traditional craftsmanship while adopting modern marketing practices.
Providing details on silk production in the state, Minister Sachan said that under the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, special efforts have been underway since 2022 to promote silk farming and production. Currently, Uttar Pradesh produces around 300 to 350 metric tonnes of silk annually, with a clear target to increase output in the coming years. Farmers are being trained and encouraged to take up sericulture as an additional source of income.
He further noted that through various schemes of the Government of India and the Uttar Pradesh government, silk producers are being provided subsidies, training and technical support to enhance productivity and quality.
Senior officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary (Horticulture and Silk), Special Secretary and Director (Silk), scientists and officers from the Central Silk Board, along with departmental and technical staff, were present at the programme.
