- Sericulture which has its origin in China is an age old Industry in India.
- Silk route is one of the ancient internationally recognized route for global business for not only silk but also other important commodities.
- History reveals that silk is also used as an alternate currency (One of the important item to be exchanged in Barter System).
- India, silk has a prominent place since beginning and has glorious past and considered precious of great trading value. Indian sericulture plays a prominent role both at National & International level.
- At National level, it is important source of remunerative EMPLOYMENT for around 6 million people, particularly in rural areas and the majority of which are from a socioeconomically weaker section of Society and Women folk.
- Besides, it contributes significantly in earning valuable and sizeable Foreign Exchange for the country through export of silk goods. Moreover, this industry ensures supply of Raw silk to the domestic market.
Introduction
- Silk being an exclusive fiber and popular as “Queen of Textiles”, the Money moves from the rich and urban market to the poor and rural producers.
- As the developed countries retreating from the silk production in view of increased cost of human power, silk production provides hope and opportunities to the developing countries.
- Having realized the benefits of investing Resources in sericulture, the Union Government and the States over the years have laid emphasis on programmes based on sericulture for rural development.
- The role of sericulture and silk manufacturing industry in putting the country in its present position in the global scenario and the potential that exists in the agrarian economy like India, in respect of agro-climatic zones, diversity in the variety of silk that no single country can boast of, skilled manpower that creates magic out of this queen of textiles cannot be overlooked by planner anymore.
- India is credited for at least four distinctions in the world of silk. Indians are the largest consumers of silk.
- Second largest producers of silk, Largest importer of mulberry raw silk and producers of all four commercially exploited silk in the world viz., –Mulberry, Tasar, Eri and Muga and has been recording consistent Growth in the production and productivity.
- As India encompasses wide geographical and agro-climatic variations, mulberry sericulture is distributed in temperate, sub-tropical and tropical regions, while the major share comes from the tropics.
Production across states and India
- Indian silk industry has moved on with long strides and its production has increased to about 18,320 MTs in 2007-08.
- Mulberry silk currently accounts for over 88% in the production total of all varieties of silk.
- About 53,814 villages of India are involved in growing silk cocoons by bringing approximately 185 thousand hectares of land under silkworm food plant cultivation.
- The total annual production of mulberry raw silk in India is 16,245 MTs . as per statistics of silk production, the major states producing mulberry silk are Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu in South India; West Bengal & Manipur in East India, Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh and J&K in the North.
- The traditional silk producing states (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and J&K) together account for 98% of the total mulberry silk produced in the country
Mulberry Silk
- Bulk of the commercial silk produced in the world comes from this variety and often refers to mulberry silk. Mulberry silk comes from the silkworm, BombyxmoriL. which solely feeds on the leaves of mulberry plant.
- These silkworms are completely domesticated and reared indoors. The mulberry sector continues to be predominantly rural and small farmer-based, with post cocoon activities in the cottage and small industry sector.
- Mulberry silk contributes to around 80% of the silk production.
- In India, the major mulberry silk producing States are Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Jammu & Kashmir which together contributes 97% of country’s total mulberry raw silk production.
Non-Mulberry Silk
Tasar
- Tasar (Tussah) is copperish beige colour, coarse silk mainly used for furnishings and interiors. It is less lustrous than mulberry silk, but has its own feel and appeal.
- Tasar silk is generated by the silkworm, AntheraeamylittaD which mainly thrive on the food Plants of Asan and Arjun. The rearings are conducted outdoor in nature on the trees.
- In India, tasar silk is mainly produced in the States of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odissa, besides Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.
- Tasar culture is the mainstay for many tribal communities in India.
ERI
- Also known as Endi or Errandi, Eri is a multivoltine silk spun from open-ended cocoons, unlike Other varieties of silk.
- Eri silk is the product of the semi domesticated silkworm, Philosamia Ricini that feeds mainly on castor leaves.
- Eri Silkworm being polyfagous has wide range of food Plants such as Tapioca/cassava, Papaya, Payam, Kessaru and Barkessuru etc.
- Eri-culture is a Household activity practiced mainly in North Eastern Region for protein rich pupae, a delicacy for the tribals in the region. Resultantly, the eri cocoons are open-mouthed and are spun.
- The silk was used indigenously for preparation of chaddars(wraps) for own use by the tribals. Eri silk fabric is a boon for those who practice absolute non-violence and do not use any product obtained by killing any living creature.
- Eri silk now popularized as “Ahinsa Silk”.
- Now Eri silk is getting popular the world over due to the isothermal properties which make it suitable for eri shawls, jackets and blankets.
- In India, Eri culture is practiced mainly in the NorthEastern States.
- It is also getting popularized in Bihar, West Bengal, Odisa, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. Eri silk is suitable for knit products, under wears, kids wear, denim and other fashion garments.
Muga
- This golden yellow colour silk is prerogative of India and the pride of Assam State. It is obtained from the wild multivoltine silkworm, Antheraeaassamensis.
- These silkworms feed on the aromatic leaves of Som and Soalu plants and are reared outdoor on trees similar to that of tasar.
- This fabric is one of the world treasures of fine silk fabrics, woven on foot-powered, hand operated looms, which creates a subtle unevenness.
- The natural shimmery golden colour of this rare, wild silk needs no dye to enhance its exquisite beauty.
- It is a high value product used in products like sarees, mekhalas, chaddars, etc.
- Muga culture is specific to the State of Assam and an integral part of the tradition and culture of that State.
- However, the muga culture is getting popularized to other States like West Bengal, Meghalaya and Nagaland due to the availability of Som and Soalu plants.
- Muga is now used to replace zariin sarees and for surface ornamentation is garments / apparels, etc.
Trends in Indian sericulture:
- Over the last six decades Indian silk industry has registered an impressive growth, both horizontally and vertically.
- Plans and schemes implemented by central and state agencies and relentless efforts of thousands of dedicated persons in the fields of research and extension have helped in this context.
- For instance, the age old multivoltine hybrids have been replaced by multivoltine × bivoltine and bivoltine hybrids. The sericulture industry has witnessed a quantum jump in raw silk productivity.
- The Average yield of 25 kgs of cocoons/100 dfls in the recent past has increased and currently the average yields are in the range of 60 – 65 kgs/100 dfls.
- The new technology, besides doubling yields has also led to qualitative improvements in cocoon production with considerably reduced renditta and has also helped break the Climate barrier.
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Sericulture is the production of silk. It is the process of raising silkworms to produce silk cocoons, which are then processed to make silk textiles. Mulberry sericulture is the most common type of sericulture, and it involves raising silkworms on mulberry leaves. Non-mulberry sericulture involves raising silkworms on other types of leaves, such as oak leaves or castor bean leaves.
Mulberry sericulture is practiced in many parts of the world, but it is most concentrated in China, India, and Japan. Non-mulberry sericulture is less common, but it is practiced in some parts of Africa, Asia, and South America.
The history of sericulture is long and complex. It is believed that sericulture originated in China over 5,000 years ago. The Chinese were the first to domesticate silkworms and to produce silk textiles. Sericulture later spread to other parts of Asia, and it was introduced to Europe in the 6th century AD.
Sericulture is an important economic activity in many parts of the world. China is the world’s largest producer of silk, followed by India and Brazil. The global market for silk is worth billions of dollars.
Sericulture is a complex technology. The process of raising silkworms involves many steps, including:
- Preparing the mulberry leaves
- Hatching the silkworms
- Feeding the silkworms
- Preparing the cocoons
- Unwinding the silk
Silkworms are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases. The most common pests are the silkworm moth, the red spider mite, and the mealybug. The most common diseases are silkworm jaundice, silkworm pebrine, and silkworm flacherie.
Mulberry trees are also susceptible to a number of diseases. The most common diseases are mulberry leaf spot, mulberry wilt, and mulberry anthracnose.
Sericulture has a long and rich history and culture. Silk is often used in traditional clothing and textiles. It is also used in a variety of other products, such as bed sheets, curtains, and tablecloths.
The future of sericulture is uncertain. The global demand for silk is declining, and the cost of producing silk is increasing. However, sericulture is still an important economic activity in many parts of the world, and it is likely to continue to be practiced for many years to come.
Here are some additional facts about sericulture:
- The word “silk” comes from the Greek word “seira,” which means “thread.”
- Silk is the strongest natural fiber. It is also one of the most lustrous and beautiful fibers.
- Silk is made from the cocoons of silkworms. Silkworms are caterpillars that feed on mulberry leaves.
- It takes about 250 silkworms to produce one ounce of silk.
- The process of making silk from silkworms is called sericulture.
- Sericulture has been practiced for over 5,000 years.
- China is the world’s largest producer of silk.
- India is the second largest producer of silk.
- Brazil is the third largest producer of silk.
- The global market for silk is worth billions of dollars.
- Silk is used in a variety of products, including clothing, textiles, bed sheets, curtains, and tablecloths.
- Sericulture is an important economic activity in many parts of the world.
- The future of sericulture is uncertain. The global demand for silk is declining, and the cost of producing silk is increasing. However, sericulture is still an important economic activity in many parts of the world, and it is likely to continue to be practiced for many years to come.
What is sericulture?
Sericulture is the process of raising silkworms to produce silk. It is a complex and labor-intensive process that has been practiced for thousands of years.
What are the different types of silkworms?
There are two main types of silkworms: mulberry silkworms and non-mulberry silkworms. Mulberry silkworms are the most common type of silkworm and they produce the most valuable type of silk. Non-mulberry silkworms produce a variety of different types of silk, including tussah silk, muga silk, and eri silk.
What is the life cycle of a silkworm?
The life cycle of a silkworm begins with an egg. The egg hatches into a larva, which is also known as a caterpillar. The larva eats mulberry leaves and grows until it is ready to pupate. The pupa forms a cocoon around itself and transforms into an adult moth. The moth emerges from the cocoon and lays eggs, which begin the life cycle again.
How is silk produced?
Silk is produced when the silkworm spins a cocoon around itself. The cocoon is made of a single thread of silk that can be up to 1,500 meters long. The cocoon is boiled to kill the silkworm and then the thread is unwound. The thread is then reeled into skeins and woven into fabric.
What are the benefits of silk?
Silk is a natural fiber that is very soft and comfortable to wear. It is also very strong and durable. Silk is also hypoallergenic, which means that it is unlikely to cause allergic reactions.
What are the drawbacks of silk?
Silk is a relatively expensive fabric. It is also a delicate fabric that can be easily damaged. Silk is also a non-renewable resource, which means that it is not sustainable.
What is the future of sericulture?
The future of sericulture is uncertain. The demand for silk is declining due to the rise of Synthetic Fibers. However, silk is still a popular fabric for high-end clothing and accessories. It is possible that sericulture will become more sustainable in the future by using alternative sources of silkworms and mulberry leaves.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a type of silkworm?
(A) Bombyx mori
(B) Antheraea pernyi
(C) Samia cynthia ricini
(D) Philosamia ricini
Answer
(D) Philosamia ricini is not a type of silkworm. It is a type of moth.
Question 2
Which of the following is not a use of silk?
(A) Clothing
(B) Fabric
(C) Food
(D) Thread
Answer
(C) Food is not a use of silk. Silk is a natural fiber that is made by silkworms. It is used to make clothing, fabric, thread, and other products.
Question 3
Which of the following countries is the largest producer of silk?
(A) China
(B) India
(C) Japan
(D) South Korea
Answer
(A) China is the largest producer of silk. In 2020, China produced 140,000 tons of silk. India was the second largest producer, with 20,000 tons of silk.
Question 4
Which of the following is not a type of mulberry tree?
(A) Morus alba
(B) Morus nigra
(C) Morus rubra
(D) Morus laevigata
Answer
(D) Morus laevigata is not a type of mulberry tree. It is a type of fig tree.
Question 5
Which of the following is not a benefit of sericulture?
(A) It provides jobs for people in rural areas.
(B) It helps to control pests.
(C) It produces a valuable product.
(D) It is environmentally friendly.
Answer
(B) Sericulture does not help to control pests. In fact, it can actually increase the Population of pests, as silkworms are a food source for many insects.
Question 6
Which of the following is not a challenge of sericulture?
(A) It requires a lot of land.
(B) It is labor-intensive.
(C) It is susceptible to pests and diseases.
(D) It is not environmentally friendly.
Answer
(D) Sericulture is environmentally friendly. Silkworms are a natural pest control, as they eat leaves from mulberry trees. Mulberry trees are also a good source of Oxygen and help to prevent Soil erosion.
Question 7
Which of the following is not a way to improve sericulture?
(A) Use resistant varieties of mulberry trees.
(B) Use resistant varieties of silkworms.
(C) Use integrated pest management.
(D) Use chemical pesticides.
Answer
(D) Chemical pesticides are not environmentally friendly and can harm silkworms. Integrated pest management is a more sustainable approach to pest control.
Question 8
Which of the following is not a future trend in sericulture?
(A) Increased use of organic Farming practices.
(B) Increased use of Biotechnology.
(C) Increased use of automation.
(D) Increased use of synthetic silk.
Answer
(D) Increased use of synthetic silk is not a future trend in sericulture. Synthetic silk is a petroleum-based product that is not as sustainable as natural silk.
Question 9
Which of the following is not a benefit of Organic Farming practices?
(A) They are environmentally friendly.
(B) They help to improve soil Health.
(C) They help to control pests and diseases.
(D) They produce higher yields.
Answer
(D) Organic farming practices do not always produce higher yields. In some cases, they can actually produce lower yields. However, organic farming practices are more sustainable and environmentally friendly than conventional farming practices.
Question 10
Which of the following is not a benefit of biotechnology?
(A) It can be used to develop new varieties of silkworms.
(B) It can be used to develop new varieties of mulberry trees.
(C) It can be used to develop new methods of pest control.
(D) It can be used to develop new methods of silk production.
Answer
(D) Biotechnology has not yet been used to develop new methods of silk production. However, it has been used to develop new varieties of silkworms and mulberry trees, as well as new