The “Journey of the Silk Thread” was an industrial field experience organized by the FICCI FLO Uttarakhand Chapter on June 2, 2026, under the leadership of Chairperson Tripti Behl. Curated by Lubna Mirza under the Textile, Handloom & Handicrafts Pillar, the tour took a delegation of women entrepreneurs on an educational route themed “From Cocoon to Couture.”
Guided by Niharika Singh, Executive Designer for Doon Silk and the Silk Federation of Uttarakhand, the event provided an in-depth look into the state’s silk production pipeline, examining the contrast between mass manufacturing and heritage craft. FLO members learned about the entire silk lifecycle, from cocoon cultivation and sericulture to reeling, dyeing, weaving, and final fabric creation.
They witnessed how the choice of loom affects manufacturing, contrasting Selaqui’s powerloom efficiency (speed, output, uniformity) with Premnagar’s handloom artistry (design complexity, texture). Also, Ms. Niharika Singh talked about Uttarakhand’s rich textile heritage while exposing women entrepreneurs to viable business and investment opportunities within the local ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
- From Cocoon to Thread: Biology Meets Industry
Understanding sericulture to reeling showed us why silk isn’t just fabric — it’s farming. The quality of the cocoon, the boiling, the reeling process — each step decides the strength, luster, and price of the final thread.
- Loom Literacy: Power vs Handloom Defines the Product
The Selaqui power loom unit vs Premnagar handloom made it clear: meterage, speed, and design complexity change completely. Power loom = uniform sarees at scale. Handloom = irregular, human, heirloom. Know your loom, know your market.
- Pricing Starts at the Filament, Not the Showroom
Market linkages + pricing insights broke down the real cost: farmers, reelers, dyers, weavers, wastage at each stage. A finished saree carries dozens of livelihoods. Government support bridges the gap between rural production and urban pricing.
Impact
The visit to Doon Silk, Premnagar, and Selaqui units drove real-world socioeconomic impact by directly engaging with and supporting approximately 50 local weavers and artisanal workers across both units.