Lower over the period
Afghanistan Silk Production per capita moved from 1.47 Gram in 2015 to 1.19 Gram in 2023 (−19.2%), an average of −2.6% a year. The series high was 1.47 Gram in 2015 and the low 1.18 Gram in 2022.
What Afghanistan Silk Production per capita shows
Afghanistan Silk Production per capita was 1.19 Gram in 2023, up 1.2% on 2022. Afghanistan’s silk production per capita from 2015 to 2023 shows a gradual declining trend, reflecting the challenges faced by the country’s traditional silk production sector. The data indicates that silk production decreased from 1.47 grams per person in 2015 to 1.19 grams per person in 2023.
A 20.1% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2015) and low (2022) is 0.296 Gram. The sharpest single-year move was −6.8% in 2020.
Ranks 10 of 18 countries covered
Among the 18 countries in this dataset, Afghanistan ranks 10 for 2023, behind China (35.15 Gram) and India (27.06 Gram). The global figure for 2023 is 11.62 Gram, so Afghanistan is below it.
Full series
Afghanistan Silk Production per capita by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Gram.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Gram | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1.19 | +1.2% |
| 2022 Trough | 1.18 | −1.1% |
| 2021 | 1.19 | −3.4% |
| 2020 | 1.23 | −6.8% |
| 2019 | 1.32 | −0.5% |
| 2018 | 1.33 | −5.2% |
| 2017 | 1.40 | −0.7% |
| 2016 | 1.41 | −4.1% |
| 2015Peak | 1.47 | — |
Regional context
How Afghanistan compares in Asia
Silk Production per capita by country, 2023, Gram. Afghanistan is highlighted.
1China35.15
2India27.06
3Tajikistan16.52
4Vietnam14.43
5Kyrgyzstan6.78
6Thailand4.06
7Iran3.05
9Afghanistan1.19
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Silk Production per capita — Silk Production Per capita refers to the annual quantity of silk produced divided by the total population of a country or region, measured on a per-person basis. This indicator represents the average amount of silk production attributable to each individual within a population during a specific year. The data provides country-level and regional comparisons of silk production intensity and is useful for analysing trends in sericulture, agricultural productivity, and the contribution of silk-related activities to the agricultural sector. The indicator is presented as a time series, allowing analysis of changes in silk production per person over the selected period.
The data includes the production of silk derived from sericulture activities, including silk obtained through silkworm farming and related agricultural production processes. The indicator covers annual silk production quantities adjusted according to population size to calculate per capita values. The dataset includes country-wise production estimates and historical trends, enabling comparisons between regions and countries. It reflects changes in silk production capacity, agricultural practices, technological improvements, and the role of silk production within rural economies and traditional agricultural systems.
The data excludes silk products after processing, such as silk textiles, garments, fabrics, and other manufactured silk-based goods. It does not measure silk consumption, imports, exports, trade values, market prices, or economic contribution from the textile industry. The indicator does not represent individual household production or income generated from silk activities. Differences may occur due to variations in production estimation methods, population estimates, reporting coverage, and data availability across countries. The indicator measures production output per person only and does not capture productivity efficiency, quality differences, or environmental impacts associated with silk production.
About this indicator
Silk Production per capita — Silk Production Per capita refers to the annual quantity of silk produced divided by the total population of a country or region, measured on a per-person basis. This indicator represents the average amount of silk production attributable to each individual within a population during a specific year. The data provides country-level and regional comparisons of silk production intensity and is useful for analysing trends in sericulture, agricultural productivity, and the contribution of silk-related activities to the agricultural sector. The indicator is presented as a time series, allowing analysis of changes in silk production per person over the selected period.
Although the overall production level remained relatively low, the trend highlights changes in agricultural activities, rural production capacity, and the sustainability of sericulture practices within Afghanistan.
In 2015, Afghanistan recorded silk production of 1.47 grams per capita, followed by a gradual reduction over the following years. Production declined to 1.41 grams in 2016 and continued decreasing, reaching 1.18 grams per capita in 2022. In 2023, production showed a slight improvement to 1.19 grams per capita, indicating a small recovery but remaining below the level recorded at the beginning of the period. The overall pattern suggests a gradual contraction of silk-related agricultural activities.
Afghanistan has a long history of traditional handicrafts, including silk production and textile manufacturing. Sericulture has historically provided livelihood opportunities for rural communities through activities such as mulberry cultivation, silkworm breeding, and silk processing. The sector contributes to preserving cultural traditions and supporting small-scale agricultural households.
However, Afghanistan’s silk industry faces several challenges, including limited agricultural infrastructure, economic instability, restricted access to modern farming technologies, climate-related pressures, and competition from larger silk-producing countries. These factors have affected production capacity and limited opportunities for expansion of the domestic silk sector.
The 2015–2023 silk production per capita data provides valuable insights into the performance of Afghanistan’s specialised agricultural activities. Analysing these trends helps understand the challenges faced by traditional industries and highlights the importance of supporting rural development, improving agricultural practices, and preserving heritage-based production systems. Despite its small scale, silk production continues to represent an important part of Afghanistan’s agricultural diversity and cultural identity.
- Indicator
- Silk Production per capita
- Country
- Afghanistan
- Region
- Asia
- Unit
- Gram
- Coverage
- 2015–2023, annual
- Category
- Agriculture
- Last updated
- July 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
Cite this dataset
Using this data in a report, paper or presentation? Copy a formatted citation.
Copied
Frequently asked questions
What is Afghanistan Silk Production per capita?
Silk Production Per capita refers to the annual quantity of silk produced divided by the total population of a country or region, measured on a per-person basis. This indicator represents the average amount of silk production attributable to each individual within a population during a specific year. The data provides country-level and regional comparisons of silk production intensity and is useful for analysing trends in sericulture, agricultural productivity, and the contribution of silk-related activities to the agricultural sector. The indicator is presented as a time series, allowing analysis of changes in silk production per person over the selected period.
What was Afghanistan Silk Production per capita in 2023?
Afghanistan Silk Production per capita was 1.19 Gram in 2023, up 1.2% on 2022.
How has Afghanistan Silk Production per capita changed between 2015 and 2023?
Afghanistan Silk Production per capita moved from 1.47 Gram in 2015 to 1.19 Gram in 2023 (−19.2%), an average of −2.6% a year. The series high was 1.47 Gram in 2015 and the low 1.18 Gram in 2022.
Which year had the highest and lowest Afghanistan Silk Production per capita?
The highest value was 1.47 Gram in 2015 and the lowest was 1.18 Gram in 2022.
What does the Afghanistan Silk Production per capita data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes the production of silk derived from sericulture activities, including silk obtained through silkworm farming and related agricultural production processes. The indicator covers annual silk production quantities adjusted according to population size to calculate per capita values. The dataset includes country-wise production estimates and historical trends, enabling comparisons between regions and countries. It reflects changes in silk production capacity, agricultural practices, technological improvements, and the role of silk production within rural economies and traditional agricultural systems. Excluded: The data excludes silk products after processing, such as silk textiles, garments, fabrics, and other manufactured silk-based goods. It does not measure silk consumption, imports, exports, trade values, market prices, or economic contribution from the textile industry. The indicator does not represent individual household production or income generated from silk activities. Differences may occur due to variations in production estimation methods, population estimates, reporting coverage, and data availability across countries. The indicator measures production output per person only and does not capture productivity efficiency, quality differences, or environmental impacts associated with silk production.
Where does the Afghanistan Silk Production per capita data come from?
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&time=2015..2023&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls&Food=Silk&Metric=Production&Per+capita=true). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Gram.
Need more data?
Get in touch with our research team
Need a longer historical series, a custom country set, additional dimensions, or a tailored dataset? Send us your requirement.