The earnings from Indian silk exports registered an increase of 9.7% (Rs 3,158.16 crore) exceeding the target of Rs 2,800 crore for March ended 2006, the latest data released by the Central Silk Board (CSB).

Data further clarified that the exports of Indian silk products are classified under four categories like readymade garments, silk carpets, silk waste and natural silk yarn, fabrics and made-ups. Further it was seen that the growing demand for Indian readymade silk products has helped to boost the lower than expected export earnings.

Readymade garments segment witnessed a growth of 55 percent at Rs 1,157 crore, while yarn; fabrics made-ups segment registered a marginal decline of 6 percent at Rs 1,886 crore in the just concluded fiscal. The US, UK, Italy, German Republic and Spain have emerged as the top five countries in importing Indian silk goods.