Importance of Sericulture in India and Karnataka

Importance of SERICULTURE IN INDIA and Karnataka

Historical perspectives of Sericulture in India

During Pre-independence period

Sericulture in India has a remote past dating back to several centuries prior to the commencement of the Christian era. It has been held that mulberry culture came from China to India around 140 B.C.
But there have been references to the use of silk in our Epics pointing out to its existence in our country even some 2000 years before Christian era. Even as far back as the 2nd century B.C. India’s export of silk-goods to European countries was spectacular.
However, the course of development of the Industry has never been even. The sericulture-industry in India in the past had to suffer on account of foreign invasion and also lack of official patronage. It received encouragement during the Moghal rule.
The East India Company gave the industry a great stimulus during the latter half of the 18th century. It encouraged export of raw silk to the silk-weaving-industry in U.K. Even Bengal exported 2.54 lakh kg. of raw silk to England between 1861 and 1885. But the industry received set-back during the fourth quarter of the nineteenth century.
Silk-worm diseases and severe competition from China and Japan affected the industry adversely. Instead of being an exporter, India had to resort to large scale import of raw silk from China and Japan to meet her requirements.
Barring for a short revival during the First World War, the industry received a set back mainly due to severe competition from imports, diseases and lack of official encouragement.
The industry had to face severe competition from imports of silk from China and Japan during 1931-32. This crippled the industry seriously and necessitated tariff protection. In 1934 the industry was accorded tariff protection against competition from imports of silk from China and Japan. Even though some protection against imports was granted no planned development was attempted by the then imperial government.
The Laffory Committee (1914-15) had recommended the organisational support backed-up by the government for the development of the industry, but this went unheeded.
Ironically, the Second World War provided a great impetus to the sericulture-industry. Imports of raw silk from China and Japan were stopped and the “Allies” had to depend only on India for the supply of raw silk for war purposes. Financial aid was given by the government to implement several expansion schemes for sericulture development.
In order to develop the industry to its fullest possible potential, the government gave financial assistance to implement several developmental schemes with the result that acreage under mulberry, production of raw silk and filature basins substantially increased by 1945.
The silk industry was in a position to supply to the “Allies” in substantial quantities the much needed silk parachute fabrics and parachute components. The Services rendered by the silk-industry were well recognised by the Central Government.
To look after the interest of the silk industry, the Government of India established a Silk Development Directorate in 1945.
A Silk Panel was also set-up to study the developmental requirements of the entire silk-industry and to make suitable recommendations. The Panel drew up a Five Year Plan as a part of the perspective of 15 years and it also suggested the setting up of a Central Silk Board for the co-ordinated development of the industry. The Central Silk Board was constituted only in 1949.
A perusal of the industry before independence and the set-up of the Central Silk Board shows that no systematic attempts were made for its orderly development in the past.
The attempts made in the past were aimed at achieving limited objectives. The industry was left to itself and also had to suffer the consequences of unregulated imports of raw silk and export of silk-waste which together affected its development adversely.

Post-independence period development:

India is the only country in the world which is known for the production of all the four varieties of silk, viz. mulberry, tasar, eri and muga, chief amongst which is mulberry-silk.
Mulberry silk is chiefly concentrated in Karnataka, followed by Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir States which together account for about 99 per cent of the total mulberry raw silk produced in the country.
Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Orissa, Punjab, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh contribute only an insignificant proportion of the country’s total mulberry raw silk production.
Mulberry sericulture has been taken up recently in Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala, Rajastan and Gujarat.
The rest of the States and centrally administered territories in the country have rich potential for the development of mulberry sericulture.
The major tasar raw silk-production States are Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal while Manipur accounts for a very small share. Some districts in Karnataka have just began to produce tasar silk.
The bulk of eri silk is produced in Assam, while it is also produced on a small scale in Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa, Manipur and Meghalaya, muga-silk is chiefly concentrated in Assam.
In recent years, Tripura and Manipur are producing oak-tasar raw silk.

Relative change in the position of sericultural States

There has been a consistent increase in the area under mulberry, cocoon and raw silk production in the case of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal while the production in Jammu and Kashmir is stand still.
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal have been able to achieve impressive progress because of the application of improved technologies of silk-worm rearing, new varieties of mulberry and its propagation-techniques and high yielding silk-worm-breeds evolved by the research institutions in the country.
In fact, Andhra Pradesh did not have sericulture worth the name till 1976-77, but it has shown consistent and rapid progress during the past two decades. Jammu and Kashmir State is ideally suited to the development, especially of bivoltine sericulture.
It had occupied a prominent position in the sericultural map of the country from ancient time. But during the last four decades, Jammu and Kashmir State is witnessing stagnation.
Karnataka is a premier silk producing State in India and specialises in the production of mulberry-silk in as much as it produces 9236 m. tonnes of raw silk and accounts for 65.74 per cent of the total silk production in the country.

National Sericulture Project

The biggest impetus in recent years to the development of Indian sericulture was provided by the commencement of the five year 555 crore National Sericulture Project (NSP) initiated by the Central Silk Board for the development of mulberry-sericulture in the country.
The project envisaged to bring an additional acreage of 57,000 hectares of land under mulberry cultivation in order to produce additional 6072 m.tonnes of mulberry raw-silk by the end of Five Year project period.
The project was assisted by the World Bank and the Swiss Development Co-operation and was under implementation from 1989 in 17 major states of India.
Karnataka is one of the states where the “Karnataka Sericulture Project” (KSP) was implemented by the Department of sericulture.
The main objectives of the project in the State were to increase the production of raw silk by bringing an additional irrigated area in the new districts, to provide EMPLOYMENT mainly to weaker sections of the people, to strengthen research capability for evolving new races of silk-worms and strains of mulberry and to strengthen the arrangements for producing breeders.

Sericulture in Karnataka

There has been a progressive increase in the total area in the state under mulberry (which stands at 140034 hectares in 1998-99).
This phenomenon has largely been due to the adoption of package of programmes by sericulturists for improved mulberry cultivation and rearing of silk-worms advocated by the Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, Mysore.
Moreover, a very important fact about Irrigation is that the leaf yield of mulberry is nearly 4 to 5 times to that of cultivation under rainfed conditions.
Even with all this, a high Percentage of area still continued to be under rainfed conditions. Adoption of irrigation is bound to increase significantly the leaf yield, the raw silk production and also the income of the sericulturist.

Distribution of sericulture in Karnataka

Mulberry has already been introduced in the new areas in the districts of Bagalkot, Belgaum, Bellary, Bidar, Bijapur, Chikkamagalur, Chitradurga, Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Davangere, Dharwad, Gadag, Gulbarga, Haveri, Kodagu, Koppal, Raichur, Shimoga and Udapi which together account for about 4 per cent of the total area under mulberry in 1998-99.
Sericulture is concentrated in the six districts of Karnataka, viz., Kolar, Chamarajnagar, Bangalore (rural), Mysore, Mandya and Tumkur. About 78 per cent of the area under mulberry is concentrated in the first five districts of the state cited above.
The proportion of the area under mulberry to total cropped area varies considerably from district to district and even from taluk to taluk in the same district. Another feature is that the irrigated area under mulberry is not evenly distributed in ail the districts. Some districts do not have any mulberry under irrigation.
The district of Chamarajanagar claims to have a share of more than 81 per cent while Chitradurga district accounts for less than 1 per cent of the area under mulberry in all the districts.
In Karnataka area under mulberry in hects 367209.1 and cocoon production in tonnes 215402.
On the whole area under mulberry in hects of during 2008-19 is highest 77328 and cocoon production in tonnes is 5597.159 in 2011-12.

Socio- Economic Development of Sericulture Sector in Karnataka

Sericulture sector provide Socio- economic development activities as the following

In Employment generation

Sericulture is the part of the agriculture activities in the state. More than 60 lakh people are engaged in various sericulture activities.
It generates more employment opportunities when compare to other industry, especially in rural and semi- urban areas. So, sericulture is used as a tool for rural reconstruction in the state.

Low gestation

About 12000 to 15000 this Investment is enough for undertaking mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing in one acre of irrigated land.
Mulberry takes only 6 months to grow for commencement of silkworm rearing mulberry once planted will go on supporting silkworm rearing year after year for 15- 20 years depending on management provided.
By adopting stipulated package of practice, a farmer can get up to Rs. 30000 per acre/ per annum

High returns and Women–Empowerment/”>Women Empowerment

60 percent of the women employed in down- stream activities sericulture in the country.
This achievement is possible because sericulture sector starting from mulberry garden management, leaf harvesting and silkworm rearing.

Ideal Programme for Weaker Sections of the Society

Sericulture is an ideal programme for weaker section of the society because low gestation, higher returns.
Acres of mulberry garden and silkworm rearing can avoid maximum labourers and save wages in the sericulture sector of the state.
Tasar silkworm process can offer supplementary gainful employment for tribals compare to other sericulture activities.

Eco- friendly Activity

Sericulture sector is a eco- friendly activity because as a perennial crop with good foliage mulberry contributes to Soil conservation and provides greenery.
Waste from silkworm rearing can be recycled as inputs to garden.
Development programmes initiated for Mulberry plantation are mainly in upland areas where UN-used cultivable land is made productive

Satisfies Equity Concerns

Sericulture activities enable the low income rural people as can reach higher income groups.

Prospects for sericulture

The sericulture industry in India exhibits high Growth potential and export prospects. In spite of the tremendous competition posed by the emergence of man-made fibres in recent years, the global output of natural silk has registered a steady and significant increase of 104 per cent between 1975 and 1995. This only proves that the world demand for silk is increasing even in the face of an invasion of man-made fibres. The trend is expected to continue.
The natural silk has come to establish its competitive strength beyond all doubt and it is reasonable to expect that it would continue to enjoy its unassailed supremacy as a “Queen of Textiles” even in the future.
The sericulture industry particularly in the developing countries having potential for sericulture has been receiving considerable attention from International Organisations like FAO, the World Bank etc
The silk-producing countries have exhibited a change in the pattern of production and consumption of silk in recent years. The output of silk has been increasing only in China and India. In most of the major silk producing countries, the consumption of silk is more than its output.
China, South Korea and Brazil enjoy sizeable marketable surplus. But as compared to the output of silk in India, the marketable surplus of South Korea and Brazil is less and as such, negligible effect on India’s export trade.
The only effective competitor to India is China. While Japan till recently a second major producer of silk has been exhibiting declining trend in the production of silk and has kept on importing substantial quantity of raw silk.
Another striking development is that India has now come to occupy the second place among the countries producing silk with the highest growth rate in the world.
In the context of the ever increasing global demand for silk and the changing fortunes of the sericulture countries, especially the withdrawal of Japan from the scene of international trade, India has a very large untapped potential for the expansion of her sericulture-industry.
India with its vast agricultural land and cheap labour and the progress already achieved in quantity and quality of silk through continued research shall not find it difficult to be a major producer and exporter of silk and silk goods to the world market in the time to come.

Conclusion

Sericulture is one the most important of agriculture and industry sector. In the Karnataka state rural and semi- urban areas most of the people adopt sericulture. Sericulture helps to improve the manufacturing sector.
It creates a self employment in Karnataka. More than 60 percent of people engaged in own activities in sericulture. This is an important labour intensive activity and agro- based industry.

Sericulture is the production of silk. It is a major agricultural activity in India, and Karnataka is one of the leading states in sericulture production. The state has a long history of sericulture, and it is an important source of employment for many people. Sericulture is also an important contributor to the state’s economy.

The silk industry in India is facing a number of challenges, including declining production, rising costs, and competition from other countries. However, the government is taking steps to promote the industry, and there is potential for growth in the future.

Here are some additional details on each of the subtopics:

History of sericulture in India: Sericulture has been practiced in India for over 5,000 years. The first evidence of silk production in India dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The silk industry flourished in India during the Mughal Empire, and it continued to be an important industry during the British Raj.
Economic importance of sericulture in India: Sericulture is a major agricultural activity in India, and it is an important source of employment for many people. The silk industry employs over 4 million people in India, and it contributes over $2 billion to the country’s economy.
Social importance of sericulture in India: Sericulture is an important part of the social fabric in India. It is a traditional occupation for many people, and it is often passed down from generation to generation. Sericulture is also a Source Of Income for many poor families in India.
Environmental importance of sericulture in India: Sericulture is a sustainable form of agriculture. It does not require the use of pesticides or herbicides, and it does not contribute to soil erosion. Sericulture can also help to improve the Environment by providing habitat for wildlife.
Challenges faced by the sericulture industry in India: The silk industry in India is facing a number of challenges, including declining production, rising costs, and competition from other countries. The decline in production is due to a number of factors, including the spread of diseases, the use of pesticides, and the lack of government support. The rising costs of production are due to the increasing cost of labor, the cost of raw materials, and the cost of energy. The competition from other countries is due to the lower cost of production in other countries.
Government initiatives to promote sericulture in India: The government of India is taking steps to promote the sericulture industry. The government has set up a number of schemes to provide financial assistance to sericulturists. The government has also set up a number of research institutes to develop new technologies for sericulture.
Future of sericulture in India: The future of sericulture in India is uncertain. The industry is facing a number of challenges, but the government is taking steps to promote the industry. There is potential for growth in the future, but the industry will need to address the challenges it is facing.

One of the biggest challenges facing the sericulture industry in India is the decline in production. The production of silk in India has declined by over 50% in the past decade. This decline is due to a number of factors, including the spread of diseases, the use of pesticides, and the lack of government support.

The spread of diseases is one of the biggest threats to the sericulture industry. A number of diseases have been affecting silkworms in India, including pebrine, flacherie, and grasserie. These diseases can cause widespread mortality among silkworms, and they can also reduce the quality of silk produced.

The use of pesticides is another major challenge facing the sericulture industry. Pesticides are used to control pests that attack silkworms. However, the use of pesticides can also harm silkworms, and it can also contaminate the environment.

The lack of government support is another major challenge facing the sericulture industry. The government has not provided adequate support to the sericulture industry, and this has led to a decline in production. The government needs to provide more support to the sericulture industry, such as providing financial assistance to sericulturists and developing new technologies for sericulture.

Despite the challenges, there is potential for growth in the sericulture industry in India. The government is taking steps to promote the industry, and there is a growing demand for silk in the world market. The government needs to address the challenges facing the sericulture industry, and it needs to provide more support to the industry. If the government takes these steps, the sericulture industry can grow in the future.

What is sericulture?
Sericulture is the production of silk. It involves raising silkworms to produce silk cocoons, which are then processed to produce silk thread.

What are the benefits of sericulture?
Sericulture has many benefits, including:
* It is a sustainable industry that does not require the use of pesticides or herbicides.
* It provides employment for millions of people around the world.
* It is a source of income for rural communities.
* Silk is a luxurious and versatile fabric that is used in a variety of products, including clothing, bedding, and home furnishings.

What are the challenges of sericulture?
Sericulture faces a number of challenges, including:
* The silkworm is a delicate creature that is susceptible to disease.
* The silk industry is highly competitive.
* The price of silk is volatile.
* Sericulture requires a significant investment of time and Resources.

What is the future of sericulture?
The future of sericulture is uncertain. The industry is facing a number of challenges, including the rise of Synthetic Fibers, the decline in demand for silk, and the increasing cost of production. However, there are also some positive signs for the future of sericulture, such as the growing popularity of sustainable fashion and the increasing demand for high-quality silk products.

What is the history of sericulture in India?
Sericulture has been practiced in India for over 5,000 years. The first evidence of sericulture in India dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The industry flourished during the Mughal Empire, and India became one of the world’s leading producers of silk. However, the industry declined in the 19th century due to competition from other countries, such as China. In recent years, there has been a revival of sericulture in India, and the country is now one of the world’s leading producers of silk.

What is the importance of sericulture in Karnataka?
Sericulture is an important industry in Karnataka. The state is one of the leading producers of silk in India. The industry provides employment for millions of people in Karnataka, and it is a major source of income for rural communities. Silk is a valuable export product for Karnataka, and the industry contributes significantly to the state’s economy.

What are the challenges of sericulture in Karnataka?
Sericulture faces a number of challenges in Karnataka, including:
* The silkworm is a delicate creature that is susceptible to disease.
* The silk industry is highly competitive.
* The price of silk is volatile.
* Sericulture requires a significant investment of time and resources.

What is the future of sericulture in Karnataka?
The future of sericulture in Karnataka is uncertain. The industry is facing a number of challenges, including the rise of synthetic fibers, the decline in demand for silk, and the increasing cost of production. However, there are also some positive signs for the future of sericulture in Karnataka, such as the growing popularity of sustainable fashion and the increasing demand for high-quality silk products.

Here are some MCQs about sericulture in India and Karnataka:

Which of the following is not a major silk producing state in India?
(A) Karnataka
(B) Andhra Pradesh
(C) Tamil Nadu
(D) Gujarat
Which of the following is the most common type of silk produced in India?
(A) Mulberry silk
(B) Tasar silk
(C) Eri silk
(D) Muga silk
Which of the following is the largest producer of mulberry silk in India?
(A) Karnataka
(B) Andhra Pradesh
(C) Tamil Nadu
(D) Gujarat
Which of the following is the largest producer of tasar silk in India?
(A) Karnataka
(B) Andhra Pradesh
(C) Tamil Nadu
(D) West Bengal
Which of the following is the largest producer of eri silk in India?
(A) Karnataka
(B) Andhra Pradesh
(C) Tamil Nadu
(D) Assam
Which of the following is the largest producer of muga silk in India?
(A) Assam
(B) Manipur
(C) Nagaland
(D) Tripura
Which of the following is the main raw material used in sericulture?
(A) Mulberry leaves
(B) Tasar cocoons
(C) Eri cocoons
(D) Muga cocoons
Which of the following is the main product of sericulture?
(A) Silk yarn
(B) Silk fabric
(C) Silk garments
(D) Silk thread
Which of the following is the main State Government organization involved in sericulture in India?
(A) Central Silk Board
(B) Karnataka Silk Board
(C) Andhra Pradesh State Sericulture Development Corporation
(D) Tamil Nadu Handlooms and Textiles Development Corporation
Which of the following is the main national level organization involved in sericulture in India?
(A) Central Silk Board
(B) Karnataka Silk Board
(C) Andhra Pradesh State Sericulture Development Corporation
(D) Tamil Nadu Handlooms and Textiles Development Corporation