Silk Farmers in Crisis: Can This AI Microscope Save Their Livelihoods Before It's Too Late?

Bengaluru's silk farmers are set to benefit significantly from a groundbreaking initiative by the Central Silk Board (CSB), which has partnered with a local startup to deploy AI-powered digital microscopes designed to detect silkworm diseases early and accurately. This innovative technology, which has been piloted for three months, increases testing capacity from 200 to nearly 900 cocoon samples daily. This enhancement not only reduces potential losses and minimizes human error but also improves the overall quality of silk produced.

The AI-assisted system can store data and perform long-term analysis, which helps in identifying and preventing silkworm diseases before they adversely affect farmers. This initiative was highlighted during the Directors' conference of sericulture-practicing states and Union territories, focusing on the theme of “Strengthening the silk value chain for inclusive growth.”

Developed at a cost of around Rs 40 lakh, the AI microscope is a significant advancement in the field. While digital microscopes are relatively common, fully automated AI-enabled systems are a rarity. Currently, CSB operates just one such unit. S. Manthira Moorthy, director (technology) at CSB, stated, “The use of the microscope significantly reduced manpower requirements and improved the quality of production as well. This was also adopted to address complaints about the quality of silk in the past. The size of the AI-enabled microscope is double that of a regular one.”

Officials from the CSB emphasized ongoing efforts to ensure the authenticity of silk, addressing the widespread issue of consumers being misled by fake products. Instances of polyester being sold as silk have been reported, notably in Tirupati. To combat this, the board employs both destructive and non-destructive testing methods. Destructive tests involve burning or dissolving fibers, while non-destructive methods use scanning and digital microscopes to identify silk without causing damage.

Plans are also in place for mobile-based consumer testing, as well as entrepreneurship development programs, credit, and subsidy schemes. P. Sivakumar, member-secretary of CSB under the textiles ministry, remarked, “These methods help cut complaints and boost competitiveness, protecting farmers since synthetic silk lowers the value of real silk. A genuine silk sari costs at least Rs 15,000, yet fake silk sells online for Rs 2,000–3,000.” While the board's efforts primarily focus on B2B operations, they are developing consumer-facing solutions, including mobile-based non-destructive testing, allowing buyers to verify silk authenticity themselves.

In tandem with these developments, CSB is in discussions with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to explore a new initiative focused on utilizing protein extracted from dead silkworm pupae—a byproduct of silk extraction. Officials indicated that while some farmers currently use this protein, there are no standardized guidelines on safe extraction and usage. The CSB is conducting research to establish proper criteria and aims to enable farmers to legally extract and sell this protein, potentially creating a new revenue stream and catering to both domestic and international demand. This initiative aligns with the goal of achieving zero waste within the silk value chain.

The collaboration between the CSB and the Bengaluru-based startup reflects a significant stride towards modernizing the silk industry, enhancing quality control, and protecting the livelihoods of farmers. As the silk market continues to grapple with the challenges posed by counterfeit products, such technological advancements promise not only to safeguard authenticity but also to empower farmers with tools that enhance productivity and income.