Silkworm Farming

Silk farming is one of the animal production sectors with a long history. The species known by its Latin name Bombyx mori silkworm is a butterfly species that feeds exclusively on mulberry leaves and has been domesticated by humans. This insect is recognized for producing silk secretions during its life cycle to form cocoons. This natural fiber has been an economically and culturally valuable raw material throughout history, particularly in the textile industry. In Türkiye, silk farming is evaluated within rural development policies both in traditional and economic dimensions. Due to its low investment requirements, it stands out as an alternative source of income for families living in rural areas.

Biological Characteristics of the Silkworm

The silkworm passes through five larval stages after hatching from the egg. The larva molts its skin at the end of each stage and feeds exclusively on mulberry leaves for approximately 25 to 30 days. In the fifth stage, it spins a cocoon and enters the pupal stage. The silk thread produced during this stage can reach a length of about 1000 meters in a single continuous filament. The cocoons produced serve as the primary raw material for silk fiber production. The fact that only one production cycle occurs annually makes timing of production and supply of mulberry leaves critical.

Silkworm Feeding (AA)

Mulberry Cultivation and Silkworm Feeding

Mulberry leaves are the sole food source for silkworms. Therefore, mulberry cultivation is directly linked to silk farming. The species Morus alba (white mulberry) provides a suitable nutritional source for silkworms. The leaf yield of mulberry trees varies depending on climate, soil structure, and cultivation conditions. Fresh, clean, and moist leaves are essential for the healthy development of the insects.

Cocoon Production Process

At the end of the larval stage, the silkworm begins spinning its cocoon. This process takes approximately two to three days. To prevent damage to the silk fiber, cocoons are treated by drying or applying hot steam to ensure the pupa inside does not survive. Subsequently, the cocoons are unwound using reeling machines to extract the silk filament. On average, about 3000 cocoons are required to produce one kilogram of silk filament.

Silkworm Cocoon (AA)

Silk Farming Worldwide

Silk farming has a deep-rooted history dating back to around 3000 BCE and originated in China. The Chinese long maintained a monopoly on silk production techniques by keeping them secret. However, in subsequent centuries, this knowledge was transmitted to the West via Central Asia, and silk became a highly valuable trade commodity. The historic Silk Road, stretching from China to Europe, played a critical role in the global spread of this product and its adoption by other civilizations. Outside China, Asian countries such as Japan, India, and Korea gradually became major silk producers. By the 19th century, European countries began making significant investments in silk production, but due to diseases and changes brought about by industrialization, production shifted back to Asia.

Today, silk production takes place in more than 60 countries worldwide, with the majority concentrated in Asia. China and India lead among major silk-producing nations; Uzbekistan, Brazil, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, North Korea (DPRK), and Iran also make significant contributions. Other countries producing silk in smaller quantities include Kenya, Botswana, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, Japan, Nepal, Bulgaria, Türkiye, Uganda, Malaysia, Romania, and Bolivia.

Although silk accounts for less than 0.2% of the global textile market, its strategic importance is substantial. Despite this low market share, the widespread geographic distribution of its production infrastructure is noteworthy. Approximately 90% of mulberry-based silk production and nearly all non-mulberry silk production (such as eri or tasar silk) is concentrated in Asia. Nevertheless, silk industries have been established and are developing in countries such as Brazil, Bulgaria, Egypt, and Madagascar.

The silk industry is also labor-intensive. In China, approximately one million people are employed in the silk sector; in India, 7.9 million people work directly or indirectly in this sector. In Thailand, approximately 20,000 weaving families rely on silk farming for their livelihood. This sector holds great significance in terms of creating employment, especially in rural areas, preventing rural-to-urban migration, and enabling income generation through low-cost investments. ^【1】

Silk also holds a strategic position not only in production but also in consumption. Major global consumers of silk include the United States, Italy, Japan, India, France, China, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Korea, and Vietnam. However, due to insufficient reliable data on finished silk products in importing countries, global valuation remains incomplete.

Silk Farming Practices in Türkiye

In Türkiye, silk farming is practiced in various provinces, primarily in the Southeastern Anatolia, Marmara, and Aegean regions. Bursa, Diyarbakır, Antalya, Şanlıurfa, and Hatay are among the provinces where this production activity is most prominent. Production, which declined during the 2000s, has seen renewed growth due to government support programs and various incentive projects. Small family enterprises have been encouraged to engage in production through free egg boxes, training services, and guaranteed cocoon purchases provided by the state.

Silk Farming Harvest (AA)

Economic Dimension and Market Status

Silk farming is a small-scale but strategically important activity in Türkiye’s agricultural economy. According to 2021 data, Türkiye’s silkworm cocoon production is approximately 20 tons. The majority of production is processed as fresh cocoons and either exported or used in the domestic market. The price per kilogram of fresh cocoons typically ranges between 70 and 85 Turkish Lira. ^【2】

Challenges in the Production Process

The silk farming production process requires sensitive conditions. Temperature fluctuations, declines in leaf quality, and inadequate care can negatively affect cocoon quality. The fact that only one production cycle occurs annually limits economic sustainability. Therefore, access to technical knowledge and support services for producers is crucial.

Relationship with Traditional Weaving

The fiber obtained from the silkworm is the raw material for traditional weaving. In particular, silk produced in Bursa has been used throughout history for palace textiles and traditional garments. Today, this weaving tradition is being preserved through the production of tourist and cultural products. Silk fabrics produced on handlooms are marketed both locally and internationally.

Silk Farming (AA)

Role of Women and Rural Development

Silk farming supports the participation of women in rural areas due to its low investment needs and labor demands. Under the “Silk Farming with Women Farmers” project implemented in İzmir, female producers received training and production materials. Such initiatives integrate traditional knowledge with modern techniques. These projects have been integrated with rural development goals to establish long-term production models.