Official records show that only two of the four sericulture centres in Indore—Dhar Naka and the Namkeen Cluster—are currently operational. The other centres at Yashwant Sagar and Kishanganj remain locked. Together, the functioning units produce just 100 to 150 kilograms of mulberry cocoons annually, which are sold at rates ranging between ₹400 and ₹500 per kilogram. The total annual value of production is estimated at less than ₹60,000.
In contrast, nine officers and employees posted in the district collectively draw salaries exceeding ₹50 lakh a year, exposing a wide disparity between expenditure and output.
Departmental sources said the silk expansion scheme, under which farmers were earlier given financial assistance of ₹1.93 lakh to take up mulberry cultivation, failed to gain traction in the district. With limited farmer participation, mulberry production declined sharply, eventually leading to the closure of two centres.
The situation is further complicated by staff deployment issues. Field officers assigned to manage sericulture activities in Indore are reportedly posted in other districts, while fieldmen tasked with promoting sericulture and liaising with farmers are currently managing silk textile showrooms.
Historical factors have also contributed to the decline. The reeling factory at Yashwant Sagar and the grainage centre at Kishanganj shut down years ago, with officials citing difficulties in cocoon quality, the impact of chemical-intensive farming, nearby urban settlements, and the availability of improved silkworm eggs from Bengaluru.
Reacting to the findings, Cottage and Rural Industries Minister Dilip Jaiswal said a review of the Sericulture Department is underway. “There is no updated information on the status of silk production in Indore. A review meeting is being held, and efforts will be made to increase output,” he said.
The review is expected to determine whether dormant centres can be revived or resources rationalised to align costs with actual production.
