Silk is the most gorgeous fiber and also known worldwide as the queen of fibers. It is a natural protein fiber that is obtained from the cocoons made by the larvae of the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori. For its complicated production silk fiber is not produced all over the world and but its aesthetic look and feel it has a high demand worldwide. Against the demand of 300 MT (Metric Tons) of raw silk Bangladesh only produces about 50 MT of raw silk though it has enough scopes to meet its demand from local production. This paper deals with the problems and prospects of Bangladesh silk industry where the discussion is divided into two parts first one here is highlighting the sericulture, and the second one in the next issue will be on silk fabric production and silk products. It is going to find out the problems and obstacles for the industry growth. Suggestions and findings are for the industry concerned to think about.SILK, The Queen of the Textile Fibers:
The Queen of Textiles spells luxury, elegance, class and comfort. Mankind has always loved this shimmering fibre of unparalleled grandeur from the moment Chinese empress Shiling Ti discovered it in her tea cup. It withstood many daunting challenges from other natural and artificial fibers and yet, remained the undisputed Queen of Textiles since centuries. Exquisite qualities like the natural sheen, inherent affinity for dyes and vibrant colors, high absorbance, light weight, resilience and excellent drape etc. have made silk, the irresistible and inevitable companion of the eve, all over the world.
Chemically speaking, silk is made of proteins secreted in the fluid state by a caterpillar, popularly known as ‘silkworm’. These silkworms feed on the selected food plants and spin cocoons as a ‘protective shell’ to perpetuate the life. Silkworm has four stages in its life cycle viz., egg, caterpillar, pupa and moth. Man interferes this life cycle at the cocoon stage to obtain the silk, a continuous filament of commercial importance, used in weaving of the dream fabric.
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