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Pabitra Margherita, Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles & Foreign Affairs, inaugurated the International Conference on Emerging Technologies in the Silk Sector—SILKTECH 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event, organised by the Central Silk Board’s (CSB) Central Tasar Research & Training Institute, Ranchi, and the Central Silk Technological Research Institute (CSTRI), is part of the grand textile event Bharat Tex 2025.
The inaugural session saw the presence of Neelam Shami Rao, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, along with key officials and industry experts.
In his address, Minister Margherita highlighted the unique Muga and Eri silks of Northeast India and underscored the importance of zero-waste technologies in the silk value chain. He also reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to triple textile production and exports through quality research and global collaborations.
Neelam Shami Rao emphasised the transformative impact of the Silk Samagra initiative on the sericulture sector. She advocated for the mainstream adoption of silk by-products through cutting-edge technologies.
During the conference, the minister released two key publications—a souvenir cum book of abstracts on Emerging Technologies in the Silk Sector and "Pradhyogiki Vivranak" (a technology descriptor). Additionally, six Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the Central Silk Board’s R&D Institutes and other research organisations and NGOs to foster innovation and collaboration.
Discussions at the event focused on expanding silk’s applications beyond textiles into industries such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Experts deliberated on the development of advanced technologies to enhance silk quality, align with global market trends, and promote sustainable innovations in the silk production chain, reinforcing India’s self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat).
The event was attended by Prajakta L. Verma, IAS, Joint Secretary (Fibres), Ajay Gupta, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, and P. Sivakumar, Member Secretary, Central Silk Board, among other distinguished guests.
SILKTECH 2025 serves as a crucial platform for advancing silk technology and strengthening India’s position as a global leader in sustainable silk production.
