The Silk Scarf Project was started to help struggling rural communities throughout northern India. Many villages depend solely on agriculture to survive. The children must work on the farms and the fathers have to leave to find work in the city. This system keeps children from going to school and perpetuates poverty. The Silk Scarf Project began with one village and expanded to about 50 villages over a few years. Each village learns all stages of production:

1) How to grow silk worms which protects the forests since they need shaded tree areas for the cocoons to grow
2) How to harvest the silk without harming the moth, as they need to keep them in order for it to lay eggs for the next generation of silk worms
3) How to spin it into yarn and dye it using natural dyes from their gardens
4) Lastly, how to weave them into beautiful scarves

As a result of this program, fathers do not have to leave to find work, children can go to school and the communities experience economical independence.

Tasar silk production is a traditional art form in Northern India.  It is an excellent alternative income. To be most effective, the villagers increase production of the eggs by implementing disease control techniques and place protective nets on top of the trees so birds cannot eat the cocoons. They also collect firewood from their plantations, resulting in less deforestation.

The artisans are also trained to make high quality scarves. They want the products to be competitive in the international market, so they learn about consistency and quality control. This also increases their profit as they earn their name for excellent quality products.

The Silk Scarf Program empowers the women in the villages because they are able to earn an income and learn how to operate a business. Because each stage of production is completed in each village, they see profits at every level and are able to earn the maximum income. It is programs like this that touch people’s lives and offer a remedy in the fight against poverty.