Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan credits Chief Minister’s ‘Him Silk Mission’ for landmark achievement
Shimla, June 8:
Himachal Pradesh’s sericulture sector achieved a historic milestone on Monday as cocoon-producing farmers secured a record price of ₹1,960 per kilogram in the open auction market, the highest ever recorded in the state’s sericulture history.
The achievement has been hailed as a major success for the State Government’s efforts to strengthen the sericulture sector and improve the income of rural farmers. The record-breaking price reflects both the dedication of sericulture farmers and the effectiveness of government initiatives aimed at boosting silk production and marketing.
Congratulating the farmers, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the State Government remains committed to enhancing farmers’ incomes, strengthening the rural economy and creating sustainable self-employment opportunities. He noted that sericulture is emerging as an important source of supplementary income, particularly for marginal and small farmers.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the recently announced “Him Silk Mission”, backed by a dedicated budget allocation of ₹2 crore, aims to transform the sericulture sector through improved silk production, expansion of mulberry cultivation, adoption of modern technologies, quality enhancement, and better market access. The mission also seeks to increase the participation of women and youth in sericulture activities.
“The record price achieved today demonstrates that the State Government’s policies are yielding positive results and that Himachal Pradesh is well-positioned to become a leading centre for quality silk production,” he said.
Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan described the achievement as a proud moment for the state’s sericulture farmers. He said providing remunerative prices to farmers remains one of the government’s top priorities. The department has been supporting farmers through the supply of quality silkworm seed, technical guidance, training programmes, disease management assistance and improved marketing facilities.
He emphasized that Himachal Pradesh’s transparent and competitive cocoon auction markets have played a vital role in ensuring better returns for farmers. According to him, the ₹1,960 per kilogram price is not only a record for Himachal Pradesh but also an encouraging example for sericulture-producing states across the country.
Chauhan said the Him Silk Mission will strengthen the entire silk value chain, from production and processing to value addition and marketing, ensuring that farmers receive maximum benefits from their produce. The government also aims to establish Himachal Pradesh as a leading producer of high-quality bivoltine silk in India.
The Industries Minister credited the success to the collective efforts of farmers, departmental officials and employees, along with the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister. He expressed confidence that the achievement would inspire thousands of farmers across the state to take up sericulture as a profitable livelihood activity.
The Chief Minister and the Industries Minister jointly congratulated the farming community and expressed hope that the Him Silk Mission would significantly contribute to rural prosperity, women’s empowerment and the vision of an Atmanirbhar Himachal Pradesh in the coming years.
