SERICULTURE IN INDIA

Production

Silkworm larvae are fed on mulberry leaves and after the fourth molt, they climb a twig placed near them and spin their silken cocoons.
The silk is a continuous-filament fibre consisting of fibroin protein, secreted from two salivary glands in the head of each larva, and a gum called sericin, which cements the two filament together.
The sericin is removed by placing the cocoons in hot water, which frees silk filaments and readies them for reeling.
The immersion of cocoons in hot water also kills the silkworm larvae.
In India, silk worms thrive on the leaves of mulberry, mahua, sal, ber, and kusum trees. India ranks third among the silk producing countries of the world.
Silk production is mainly confined to areas between 15° and 34° N latitudes.
The state of Karnataka is the largest producer of raw silk (65°/o) followed by Andhra Pradesh (17%) West Bengal (8°/o), Tamil Nadu (5°/o), and Assam (3%).

Sericulture is the production of silk. It is the process of raising silkworms to produce silk cocoons, which are then processed into silk yarn or fabric. Sericulture has been practiced in India for over 5,000 years, and it is one of the country’s oldest and most important industries.

The history of sericulture in India can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The earliest evidence of silk production in India comes from the Mohenjo-daro and Harappa sites, which date back to around 2600-1900 BC. These sites have yielded a number of artifacts made from silk, including beads, bangles, and even a piece of silk cloth.

Sericulture continued to be practiced in India throughout the ancient and medieval periods. The Chinese traveler Xuanzang, who visited India in the 7th century AD, wrote about the country’s silk Industry in his travelogue. He noted that silk was produced in many parts of India, and that it was used to make a variety of textiles, including clothing, bedding, and curtains.

The Mughal Empire, which ruled India from the 16th to the 18th centuries, was a major patron of sericulture. The Mughal emperors built a number of silk factories, and they also encouraged the cultivation of mulberry trees, which are the food source of silkworms. As a result of the Mughals’ patronage, sericulture flourished in India during this period.

The British East India Company, which ruled India from the 18th to the 19th centuries, also played a role in the development of sericulture in India. The company established a number of silk factories in India, and it also promoted the cultivation of mulberry trees. As a result of the British East India Company’s efforts, sericulture became one of the most important industries in India during the colonial period.

After India gained independence in 1947, the government of India took steps to promote sericulture. The government established a number of research institutes and training centers, and it also provided subsidies to silk farmers. As a result of the government’s efforts, sericulture has continued to be an important industry in India.

Today, India is the second largest producer of silk in the world, after China. The Indian silk industry employs over 4 million people, and it contributes over $2 billion to the country’s economy. The main silk-producing states in India are Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

Sericulture is a labor-intensive industry, and it is often carried out by small farmers. The main stages in the production of silk are:

Rearing of silkworms: Silkworms are reared on mulberry leaves. The worms are fed on a diet of mulberry leaves for about 25 days. After this, they spin cocoons around themselves.
Unwinding of cocoons: The cocoons are then unwound to obtain silk yarn. This process is called reeling.
Spinning of silk yarn: The silk yarn is then spun into silk thread.
Weaving of silk fabric: The silk thread is then woven into silk fabric.
Dyeing and finishing of silk fabric: The silk fabric is then dyed and finished.

Sericulture is a sustainable industry, as it does not require the use of pesticides or herbicides. Silk is also a biodegradable fabric, which means that it will break down over time and return to the earth.

The future of sericulture in India is bright. The Indian government is committed to promoting the industry, and there is a growing demand for silk products in the global market. As a result, the Indian silk industry is expected to grow in the coming years.

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 different types of silk?
There are two main types of silk: mulberry silk and non-mulberry silk. Mulberry silk is the most common type of silk and is produced from the cocoons of silkworms that have been fed on mulberry leaves. Non-mulberry silk is produced from the cocoons of silkworms that have been fed on other types of leaves, such as oak leaves or castor leaves.

What are the benefits of silk?
Silk is a natural fiber that is soft, strong, and lustrous. It is also hypoallergenic and breathable, making it a good choice for people with sensitive skin. Silk is also a sustainable fiber, as it can be produced without the use of pesticides or herbicides.

What are the drawbacks of silk?
Silk is a relatively expensive fiber. It is also more delicate than other fibers, such as Cotton, and can be damaged by heat and sunlight.

How is silk produced?
The production of silk begins with the raising of silkworms. Silkworms are caterpillars that feed on mulberry leaves. After about 30 days, the silkworms spin cocoons around themselves. The cocoons are then boiled to kill the silkworms and loosen the silk fibers. The silk fibers are then reeled into thread and woven into fabric.

Where is silk produced?
Silk is produced in many parts of the world, including China, India, Japan, and Korea. China is the world’s largest producer of silk, followed by India.

What are the different uses of silk?
Silk is used to make a variety of products, including clothing, bedding, and upholstery. It is also used to make medical products, such as sutures and bandages.

What is the history of sericulture?
Sericulture has been practiced for thousands of years. The earliest evidence of silk production dates back to the 3rd century BC in China. Silk was introduced to Europe in the 6th century AD by the Byzantine Empire.

What is the future of sericulture?
The future of sericulture is uncertain. The silk industry is facing a number of challenges, including competition from Synthetic Fibers, rising labor costs, and environmental concerns. However, there is also a growing demand for sustainable fibers, such as silk, which could help to boost the silk industry in the future.

Question 1

Which of the following is not a type of silk?

(A) Mulberry silk
(B) Tussah silk
(C) Eri silk
(D) Ahimsa silk

Answer
(D) Ahimsa silk is a type of silk that is produced without harming the silkworms. The other three types of silk are produced by killing the silkworms.

Question 2

Which of the following countries is the largest producer of silk?

(A) China
(B) India
(C) Japan
(D) Italy

Answer
(A) China is the largest producer of silk, followed by India and Brazil.

Question 3

Which of the following is not a use of silk?

(A) Clothing
(B) Bedding
(C) Furniture
(D) Currency

Answer
(C) Silk is not used to make furniture. It is used to make clothing, bedding, and currency.

Question 4

Which of the following is not a benefit of silk?

(A) It is a natural fiber
(B) It is biodegradable
(C) It is hypoallergenic
(D) It is water-resistant

Answer
(D) Silk is not water-resistant. It is a natural fiber that is biodegradable and hypoallergenic.

Question 5

Which of the following is not a drawback of silk?

(A) It is expensive
(B) It is difficult to care for
(C) It is not as durable as other fibers
(D) It is not as breathable as other fibers

Answer
(C) Silk is a durable fiber. It is more durable than cotton and linen. The other three Options are drawbacks of silk.