Our Story
Advancing the silk value chain across Maharashtra by empowering farmers, strengthening networks, and building sustainable growth for every stakeholder.
Who we are
Maharashtra Silk Association is a Non-Profit Organization registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act in 2013 with its head office at Nagpur. The company closely works with stakeholders across the silk value chain—farmers, reelers, twisters, weavers, textile industry, traders, exporters, and government agencies.
We focus on understanding the challenges faced by stakeholders in Maharashtra, providing actionable recommendations for sustainable growth, and unlocking 0.7 million jobs in five years (2025-30) while addressing ecosystem-wide constraints.
500+
Members
10+
Events
200+
Trained Farmers
Director
Seasoned agricultural professional with 29+ years empowering two million farmers via TCS's PRIDE™ model and digital food initiatives, strengthening value chains across agriculture, sericulture, and allied sectors.
Former roles at Thermax, Kisan Event, and Agri Information Services; pioneered trilingual Green Pages; served on Government of India FPO committee; leading silk sector development since 2018 toward establishing Maharashtra Silk Association.
Director
Chemical engineer, commercial pilot, and entrepreneur combining technical rigor with sustainable innovation across sectors.
Director
A veteran sericulture administrator and technical expert, served as Deputy Director in the Department of Sericulture, Government of Maharashtra. He has significantly contributed to the development of mulberry cultivation, silkworm rearing and farmer-centric sericulture programs across the state.
At MSA, he plays a pivotal role in shaping strategic direction, ensuring alignment with government policies and guiding large-scale capacity building initiatives.
Dr. Sunil Gorantiwar is a distinguished expert in digital agriculture and water management with 40 years of experience. Formerly Director of Research at MPKV , he has pioneered AI, IoT, and precision farming initiatives.
An IIT Kharagpur and Loughborough University alumnus , he currently advises the Government of Maharashtra on agri-tech innovation to build resilient rural livelihoods.
A pioneer academician, Dr. Chandrakant Latpate is an Associate Professor of Entomology at VNMKV, Parbhani, with 34 years of expertise in research and extension. He has developed significant sericulture technologies and guided 32 postgraduate students.
At MSA, he leads training and capacity building, leveraging his award-winning contribution to silkworm hybrid production and technology transfer.
Distinguished sericulture scientist with 30+ years in silkworm seed production, breed improvement, and mulberry cultivation; contributed to multivoltine hybrids and sustainable practices at CSR&TI, Mysore.
Renowned for Pure Mysore breed improvement, germplasm maintenance, and innovative mulberry garden management; extensive publications and global presentations advancing silk quality and productivity.
Awards & Achievements
Highlights of our awards, recognitions, and milestones will be shared here as we continue to scale impact across Maharashtra.