Rajshahi Silk Industry Faces Challenges Amid Climate Change and Rising Costs

Rajshahi, a city in northwestern Bangladesh renowned for its centuries-old silk production, is facing mounting challenges that threaten the livelihoods of thousands of artisans and the future of the industry. A combination of climate change impacts, rising production costs, and competition from cheaper imports is creating a difficult environment for silk farmers and weavers.

Historically, Rajshahi silk has been prized for its quality and intricate designs. The region’s mulberry plantations, the primary food source for silkworms, have traditionally thrived in the favorable climate. However, increasingly erratic weather patterns, including prolonged droughts and intense floods, are severely impacting mulberry yields. Farmers report significant losses in recent years due to these unpredictable conditions. The changing climate also affects silkworm health, leading to increased mortality rates and reduced silk production.

“The droughts are particularly damaging,” explains Abdul Karim, a silk farmer in Godagari Upazila. “The mulberry trees need consistent water, and when the rains fail, we struggle to keep them alive. This directly impacts the quantity and quality of the silk cocoons.” He added that the cost of irrigation has also increased significantly, further squeezing farmers’ margins.

Beyond climate change, the cost of essential inputs such as silkworm eggs, mulberry saplings, and dyes has risen sharply in recent months. Global inflation and supply chain disruptions have contributed to these price hikes, making it harder for producers to compete. Many small-scale farmers and weavers are struggling to afford these necessities, forcing some to consider alternative livelihoods.

Competition from cheaper, often synthetic, silk imports is another major concern. These imports, primarily from India and other Asian countries, are often sold at significantly lower prices, undercutting local producers. While the government has imposed tariffs on silk imports, many argue that these measures are insufficient to protect the domestic industry.

Local artisans are increasingly seeking support from government and non-governmental organizations to address these challenges. Initiatives focusing on climate-resilient farming practices, improved silkworm rearing techniques, and access to affordable credit are being implemented. Several organizations are also working to promote Rajshahi silk through branding and marketing efforts, aiming to increase its appeal to both domestic and international buyers.

“We are trying to help the weavers adopt modern technologies and designs to improve the quality and competitiveness of their products,” says Sharmin Akter, a program officer with a local NGO. “We are also working to connect them with buyers directly, bypassing the middlemen who often take a large share of the profits.”

The Rajshahi Silk Research Institute is also playing a crucial role in developing new and improved varieties of mulberry trees and silkworms that are more resistant to climate change and diseases. Researchers are also exploring ways to reduce production costs and improve the efficiency of silk processing.

Despite the difficulties, many in Rajshahi remain optimistic about the future of the silk industry. They believe that with the right support and investment, the region can overcome these challenges and continue to be a leading producer of high-quality silk for generations to come. The preservation of this traditional craft is not only important for the economic well-being of the region but also for the cultural heritage of Bangladesh.