Jharkhand

• 10 Jan 2024

Tasar Silk at Republic Day Parade

Why in News?

Jharkhand's tableau showcasing the production of the famed tasar silk in the Santhal Pargana region was selected for the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.

• Jharkhand is among 16 states and Union Territories the tableaux of which have been selected for the parade.

Key Points

• The country will be introduced to the silk of Dumka and Godda of Jharkhand.
  • Sarihan variety of tasar silk is found in the Dumka district.
• There are four types of silk -- Mulberry, Eri, Muga and tasar. Mulberry, Eri and Muga are common and can be produced indoors but tasar is wild in nature.
• Country's 70% tasar is produced in Jharkhand, of which 40% is produced in the state's Santhal Pargana region.
  • The tasar silk is transported to Bhagalpur in Bihar, where the final product is made.

Status of India’s Silk Industry

• India stands as the world's second-largest producer of raw silk after China.
• India boasts a diverse range of silk types, including Mulberry, Tasar, Muga, and Eri. The variations arise from the distinct feeding habits of the silkworms.
• The silk industry stands as one of India's largest foreign exchange earners, contributing significantly to the country's economic landscape.
• The major silk-producing states in the country are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.