Devanjana Mukherjee, Khabri Media
Odisha’s commitment to ethical silk production is a testament to the state’s forward-thinking approach to industry and agriculture.
Pic: Social Media
In a groundbreaking move that blends tradition with innovation, the eastern Indian state of Odisha has embraced a revolutionary method for silk production that eliminates the need to sacrifice silkworms. Traditionally, sericulture involved boiling silkworm pupae alive to obtain silk threads. To subscribe please click tau.id/2iy6f and access our live channel.
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Odisha has now adopted a new method where silk is extracted without killing silkworms for making traditional ‘Patta’ sarees, a senior official of the Handloom department said. The new silk is named ‘Karuna Silk’ as compassion is involved in the procedure instead of killing silkworms, the official said.
Traditional silk production, known as sericulture, has long been marred by the ethical dilemma surrounding the killing of silkworms in the pupal stage. The conventional method involves boiling the pupae to soften the cocoon, making it easier to extract silk threads.
Pic: Social Media
As per trade information, a typical mulberry silk saree is produced by killing 10-20 thousand silkworms. Similarly in the traditional process, 5-7 thousand silkworms lose their life in the making of a tasar silk saree. Originating from the silkworm Antheraea mylitta, these sarees are known for their natural sheen, durability, and unique texture, making them a popular choice among those who appreciate the richness.
Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department Director Shovan Krishna Sahu said “Our Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik always promotes the idea of non-violence and desires that all production processes follow the same. So we wanted to promote compassion by breaking the traditional method of ‘Filament Silk’ which kills the silkworms. In the new process, we let go of the moth honouring its life cycle”.
With ‘Karuna Silk’ blending tradition with technology along with fostering compassion, Odisha is setting a new benchmark in sustainable fashion, the director claimed. The state’s new initiative of saving silkworms has been drawing the attention of visitors at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Guided by the state government, the skilled weavers from Routpada of Khurda district are demonstrating their artistry live in IITF. The artisans who have been making the holy ‘Khandua Patta’ for Lord Jagannath will now weave the exclusive ‘Karuna Silk’.
