Arrange the following varieties of silk in India in their order of decreasing production:
1. Muga
2. Eri
3. Mulberry
4. Tasar
Select the correct answer using the code given below
3-2-4-1
3-4-2-1
2-4-1-3
2-1-4-3
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2016
– **Eri silk** is produced by the silkworm Samia cynthia ricini, which feeds mainly on castor leaves. It is primarily concentrated in the North Eastern states, particularly Assam. It is known as the ‘poor man’s silk’ and is also called Ahimsa silk as the moth is allowed to emerge from the cocoon. It accounts for the second-largest production share (around 10-15%).
– **Tasar silk** is produced by silkworms belonging to the Antheraea species, which feed on leaves of trees like Arjun, Asan, and Sal. It is mainly produced in tribal areas of states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, etc. Its production share is smaller than Eri (around 5-10%).
– **Muga silk** is produced by the silkworm Antheraea assamensis, which feeds on aromatic leaves of Som and Sualu plants. This silk is unique to Assam and is known for its golden yellow colour and durability. Its production is the lowest among the four varieties due to its localized nature and specific feeding habits of the silkworm.
Thus, the decreasing order of production is Mulberry > Eri > Tasar > Muga.