Rajshahi Silk Industry Faces Challenges Seeks Modernization-20260524174949-2455

Rajshahi, a city in northwestern Bangladesh renowned as the ‘Silk City,’ is facing mounting challenges to its traditional silk industry. Once a dominant force in the nation’s textile sector, the industry is struggling with rising production costs, competition from cheaper imports, and a lack of modernization. Local producers and government officials are now exploring strategies to revitalize the sector and preserve its cultural heritage.

For generations, Rajshahi has been synonymous with high-quality silk production. The region’s unique climate and mulberry cultivation practices contribute to the distinctive texture and sheen of its silk. Traditionally, the industry involved small-scale farmers rearing silkworms, and artisans hand-weaving the silk into fabrics used for sarees, scarves, and other garments. This cottage industry provided livelihoods for thousands of families in the region.

However, the industry is now grappling with a number of difficulties. The cost of mulberry leaves, the primary food source for silkworms, has increased significantly due to climate change and land scarcity. Rising energy prices have also added to production expenses. Simultaneously, cheaper silk and silk-like fabrics imported from other countries, particularly from India and Vietnam, are flooding the local market, undercutting the prices of Rajshahi silk.

“We are facing a very tough situation,” says Abdul Karim, a silk farmer from Bagha Upazila. “The cost of everything is going up, but we cannot increase the price of our silk enough to compete with the imports. Many farmers are considering switching to other crops.”

The lack of modern technology is another significant obstacle. While some producers have adopted basic mechanization, many still rely on traditional methods, which are time-consuming and less efficient. This limits their ability to meet the demands of a growing market and compete with larger, more technologically advanced producers elsewhere.

The Bangladesh Silk Foundation (BSF), a government agency responsible for promoting the silk industry, is working to address these challenges. The BSF is providing training to farmers on improved silkworm rearing techniques and mulberry cultivation practices. They are also offering financial assistance to help producers upgrade their equipment and adopt modern technology.

“We are committed to revitalizing the Rajshahi silk industry,” says Dr. Shahana Rahman, Director of the BSF. “We are working with farmers, weavers, and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan that will address the challenges they face and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.”

The plan includes initiatives to improve the quality of silk, reduce production costs, and promote Rajshahi silk both domestically and internationally. The BSF is also exploring opportunities to establish a silk processing and marketing hub in Rajshahi, which would provide a centralized location for producers to process and sell their products.

Furthermore, there's growing emphasis on branding and geographical indication (GI) registration to protect the unique identity of Rajshahi silk. Successfully registering Rajshahi silk as a GI product would help to differentiate it from cheaper imitations and enhance its market value.

Local artisans are also seeking support to preserve their traditional weaving techniques. Many fear that the younger generation is losing interest in the craft, and they are calling for initiatives to promote silk weaving as a viable livelihood option. The future of Rajshahi silk hinges on a concerted effort to modernize the industry while preserving its rich cultural heritage and supporting the livelihoods of the thousands of families who depend on it.