Union Textiles Minister to inaugurate India International Silk Fair The flagship event of the Indian Silk Export Promotion Council, the 5th edition of India International Silk Fair, will be inaugurated by the Union Textiles Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, on 15th October, 2016 at 11 AM, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Minister of State for Textiles, Shri Ajay Tamta and Secretary (Textiles), Smt. Rashmi Verma will also be present as Guests of Honour. In her message, the Union Textiles Minister has lauded the efforts of the Indian Silk Export Promotion Council in organizing such a product-specific exhibition, that provides an opportunity to small and medium entrepreneurs in showcasing their unique products to visiting overseas buyers. The Indian Silk Export Promotion Council is sponsoring the visit of around 100 buyers from various overseas countries to visit stands of 120 exhibitors of silk and silk blended products, that are manufactured in various parts of the country and exported all over the world. The Indian Silk Industry is very important, being rural and agriculture-based, providing livelihood to around 7 million people in the country. India is the second largest producer of silk in the world. While silk production in all other silk-producing countries is in decline, the silk production in India has consistently been on a rise. India is the only country in the world which produces all major varieties of silk, namely, Mulberry, Tasar, Eri and Muga. The 3-day exhibition at Pragati Maidan from October 15-17 2016, is expected to generate a business of over US $50 million for SMEs engaged in producing silk and silk blended garments, fabrics, accessories and floor coverings. The fair will provide a unique opportunity to exporters in showcasing their products and to overseas buyers in sourcing the merchandize they require. The fair is in line with the commitment of carrying forward the Make in India" programme of the Government of India.
