Silk Production in Nepal

Weaving Tradition into Opportunity Silk production in Nepal -essentially the art of raising silkworms and turning their cocoons into luxurious fabric-has long been a quiet part of the country’s agricultural and textile heritage. While it’s still a relatively small industry compared to neighboring giants like India and China, Nepal’s silk sector has been steadily growing since the early 2000s, thanks to government backing and the entrepreneurial spirit of local communities.

A Glimpse into History Nepal has a centuries-old tradition of producing silk, though it was mostly limited to small-scale use within ethnic communities like the Newar and Rai. It wasn’t until the late 20th century that serious efforts to formalize sericulture (silk farming) began. In the 1990s, pilot projects led by the Department of Agriculture and various NGOs began promoting silkworm cultivation in districts such as Jhapa, Ilam, and Kavre. Where Silk Comes to Life Several regions across Nepal have become hubs for sericulture: Jhapa and Ilam (Eastern Nepal): These areas are perfect for growing mulberry trees, whose leaves are the silkworms’ favorite food. Kavrepalanchowk and Sindhupalchowk: Known for hillside farming, these districts are making strides in hill-based sericulture. Chitwan and Nawalparasi: Here, silk farming often takes the form of community-led projects that empower local residents.

How It’s Done? The main method used in Nepal is mulberry sericulture, involving the Bombyx mori silkworm. Farmers plant mulberry bushes, harvest the leaves, and feed them to the silkworms, which are raised in carefully controlled conditions. Once the silkworms spin their cocoons, the silk threads are extracted through reeling and spinning. In some regions, farmers also cultivate eri silk, made from Samia ricini. This type is considered more eco-friendly and is commonly produced by indigenous communities. Why It Matters? Though still considered a niche market, silk production is meaningful in several ways:

It provides extra income for rural families.
It creates job opportunities for women, especially in home-based industries.
It has export potential, particularly in items like handmade scarves and raw silk.

Silk is even highlighted in Nepal’s Trade Integration Strategy (NTIS) as a product with strong potential for international markets. Support on the Ground Growth in the sector has been supported by:

Technical training and resources from the National Sericulture Development Project.
Aid and know-how from NGOs like HELVETAS Nepal.
Cooperative-based models, especially in Eastern Nepal, that encourage shared learning and community-driven production.

Roadblocks Along the Way Of course, the journey isn’t without its hurdles.

The industry still struggles with:

Inadequate facilities for reeling and weaving.
Competition from cheaper, imported silk.
Low awareness and interest among new farmers.
A shortage of skilled technicians.

Looking Ahead With the global rise in demand for organic, locally-produced textiles, Nepal is well-positioned to grow its silk industry. By connecting silk production with tourism, export markets, and the sustainable fashion movement, the country could spin its rich tradition into a promising future.

References

Ministry of Agriculture, Nepal. https://grnc.org.np/%7CGlobal Institute for Research andNature Conservation (GRNC) Wikipedia