Himachal Sericulture Farmers Create History with Record Cocoon Price of ₹1,960 per kg

Shimla, June 8: Himachal Pradesh’s sericulture sector achieved a historic milestone as cocoon 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 boost for the state’s silk industry and a significant success for the government’s newly launched “Him Silk Mission.” Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu congratulated farmers, departmental officers and employees associated with the sector, stating that the record price reflects both the hard work of farmers and the effectiveness of government initiatives aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the State Budget 2026-27 allocated ₹2 crore for the Him Silk Mission, which focuses on expanding mulberry cultivation, improving cocoon quality, promoting modern technologies, strengthening marketing infrastructure and increasing participation of women and youth in sericulture.

Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan described the development as a proud moment for Himachal’s sericulture community. He said transparent auction mechanisms, quality silkworm seed distribution, technical support and farmer training programmes have significantly improved cocoon quality, enabling growers to receive better returns.

He added that the Him Silk Mission aims to strengthen the entire silk value chain—from production and processing to value addition and marketing—and position Himachal Pradesh as a leading producer of high-quality bivoltine silk in India.

The record auction price is expected to boost confidence among thousands of sericulture farmers across the state and encourage greater participation in this income-generating rural enterprise.