Stakeholders Explore Integrated Strategy to Revive Nepal’s Silk Industry

Stakeholders are preparing to explore a national strategy to revive Nepal’s long-neglected silk industry as the country prepares to host the National Silk Conference this weekend.

The Handloom Fabrics Makers of Nepal, in collaboration with the Silk Development Centre, will organize the conference on January 10 with the aim of repositioning silk as a strategic, high-value and sustainable national industry.

Speaking at a press meet on Monday, President  of the Handloom Fabrics Makers of Nepal, Rosh Kumar Pokharel, said the conference seeks to bring together the government, private sector, banks and financial institutions, investors, non-resident Nepalis, development partners, farmers, cooperatives, entrepreneurs and exporters on a single platform.

“The silk industry is not defunct due to a lack of potential but because of long-term neglect, fragmentation and insufficient investment,” Pokharel said. “At a time when global demand for sustainable and natural textiles is rising, Nepal can no longer afford to ignore silk.”

According to the organizers, the conference will hold thematic sessions on establishing a foundation for sustainable sericulture in Nepal, developing a value-added silk production ecosystem, and building an enabling silk ecosystem in line with the Nepal Silk Vision 2026–2035.

Pokharel noted that silk is among the world’s highest-value agro-industrial products, offering multiple benefits including high income generation, low carbon emissions, women-focused and rural employment, and the export of value-added products rather than raw materials.

The association estimates that Nepal could generate economic value worth around Rs 50 billion annually by developing an integrated silk value chain encompassing mulberry cultivation across nearly 22,000 hectares, silkworm rearing, yarn production, weaving and textile manufacturing.

However, the industry continues to struggle due to the absence of an integrated value chain, weak policies, limited access to finance and insurance, inadequate technology and skills, and the lack of effective market and export mechanisms, speakers said at the press conference.

The conference aims to draw the attention of key stakeholders to these challenges and push for concrete solutions, Pokharel added.

Discussions will focus on adopting a 10-year framework for silk development (2026–2035), promoting cluster-based mulberry farming and silkworm rearing, introducing specialized financial, trade and insurance instruments, facilitating technology transfer and skill development, and strengthening integrated “Nepal Silk” branding and market access.

Handloom Fabrics Makers of Nepal Vice-President Ramlal Shrestha said the organizers expect the conference to help secure recognition of silk as a strategic national industry, generate policy recommendations for the government, mobilize investment and financial commitments, foster new partnerships among farmers, cooperatives, investors and exporters, and raise national and international awareness through media outreach. -- RSS