Sericulture is being revived and developed with the support of the state.

At the beginning of the 20th century, especially in its second decade, the silk industry in Azerbaijan was at a high point of development. Small handicraft enterprises gradually disappeared, and large factory-type establishments played a decisive role in this industry.
From the early years of Soviet rule in Azerbaijan, government bodies implemented significant measures to develop sericulture. On June 14, 1926, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan adopted Decision No. 22/12 regarding the construction of a large silk-reeling plant in the city of Shaki. Construction began in 1927, and in 1931, the main building – the silk-reeling production unit – was put into operation.
At its peak, approximately 7,500 workers and staff were employed in this sector, producing 250 tons of raw silk annually. In the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan ranked second in raw silk production (after Uzbekistan) and first in terms of the quality of silk and cocoons.
Azerbaijani silk and silk products were repeatedly showcased at international exhibitions, achieving great success and earning high praise from experts.
A major turning point in the development of sericulture and silk production in Azerbaijan occurred in the early 1970s. Thanks to the efforts and initiatives of the national leader Heydar Aliyev, Decision No. 106 “On measures for the development of sericulture in Azerbaijan,” dated March 17, 1971, provided a strong impetus for silk production. As a result of these measures, the sector’s material and technical base and industrial potential were expanded, and cocoon collection in the country increased by 36.1%. Mulberry seedlings were planted in unusable land, roadside areas, cities, and towns to strengthen the feed base for silkworms. With the establishment of a sericulture network in 60 districts of the republic, by 1991, raw silk production reached 5.9 thousand tons.
However, after Azerbaijan gained independence, the economic crisis and political instability in the early 1990s caused the silk industry, like many other sectors, to decline sharply. Two breeding silk stations, seven cocoon factories, around 30 cocoon drying units, about 80 collection and primary processing points, the Shaki-Silk company, and the Ordubad silk-reeling plant had to cease operations, leaving tens of thousands of people unemployed.
Only after national leader Heydar Aliyev returned to power for the second time was the silk industry restored. Following his directive and Decree No. 734 dated June 11, 2001, 400,000 AZN were allocated to restore the operations of Shaki-Silk ASC (now Azeripek LLC), and the enterprise resumed activity. However, due to raw material shortages, only 311 tons of fresh silk were collected in 2001-2002, producing 22 tons of raw silk. To ensure the enterprise did not halt operations and to prevent unemployment, Shaki-Silk ASC had to import 1,000 tons of dry silk from abroad between 2003 and 2009.
In 2011, after the export of silk was banned abroad, the silk-reeling production unit completely stopped operating, while the weaving units – twisting and carpet workshops – used imported silk.
In 2016, based on the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev during the first-quarter review meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ministry of Agriculture imported high-quality silkworm eggs from China and Iran. These eggs were distributed to silkworm breeders in 24 districts, reviving the industry and producing 70.7 tons of high-quality fresh silk in a short period, whereas only 236 kg of fresh silk had been produced in 2015.
Following Presidential Orders No. 2337 (15.09.2016), No. 2442 (16.11.2016), No. 2704 (02.03.2017), and No. 2893 (19.05.2017), the Ministry of Agriculture imported silkworm eggs from China in 2017, distributing them to breeders in 30 districts, resulting in the production of 244.4 tons of fresh silk.
According to Decision No. 85 of the Cabinet of Ministers dated March 10, 2017, individuals involved in silk production are entitled to a state subsidy of 5 AZN per kilogram of mixed fresh silk accepted by processing and silk production enterprises (excluding deformed and coarse silk).
Azeripek LLC pays 4 AZN per kilogram for mixed fresh silk, 0.5 AZN for deformed silk, and 0.3 AZN for coarse silk. By Presidential Decree dated November 27, 2017, the “State Program for the Development of Sericulture and Silk Production in Azerbaijan for 2018-2025” was approved, aimed at strengthening state support for sericulture and resolving sectoral problems.
By Presidential Decree dated November 6, 2017, the “Azerbaijan Industrial Corporation” JSC was established. According to Decree No. 1704 (November 4, 2017), the state property belonging to Shaki-Silk ASC was transferred to the balance of Azerbaijan Industrial Corporation (ASK). To manage this property efficiently, on April 16, 2018, Azeripek LLC was established as a subsidiary.
Azeripek LLC is the only enterprise in Azerbaijan engaged in silk production, currently employing 361 permanent workers. The enterprise carries out dry silk processing, raw silk production, silk twisting, weaving, and dyeing of silk fabrics. This year, 4,738 breeders signed contracts, and 491 tons of fresh silk were collected.
The Silk Road passing through Azerbaijan contributed to the prosperity and prestige of the people over centuries. Silk production is not only a profitable occupation but also a carrier of our ancient history and cultural heritage. Therefore, the revival of the silk industry is considered a crucial step for preserving history and culture and passing it on to future generations.
"Respublika"