Sericulture is both an art and science of rearing silkworm for the production of cocoons which is the raw material for the production of silk. 

1. importance of
SERICULTURE

2. VENKATESH R
B.Sc. AGRICULTURE
ANBIL DHARMALINGAM AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE AND
RESEARCH INSTITUTE
TRICHY-9

3. Chinese
Empress
Drinking
tea under a
tree
Silkworm
cocoon
falls into
hot tea
Silk strand
unravels
and larva
exposed

4. Sericulture is both an art and science of
rearing silkworm for the production of
cocoons which is the raw material for the
production of silk.
SILK, “THE QUEEN OF THE FABRICS”

5. • China >India
• With an annual silk production of around
23,000 M.Tons
• Karnataka >Andra Pradesh> Tamil nadu
>West Bengal >Jammu & Kashmir
• Contribution of about 90%
• The annual silk production in Tamil Nadu is
around 1200 metric tons.

6. India has a distinct advantage of
practicing sericulture through out the
year, yielding a stream of about 4-
6crops.

7. While the major producers are in Asia (90%
of mulberry production and almost 100% of
non-mulberry silk).
India is the only country in the world
producing all the four varieties of silk;
Mulberry, Eri, Tasar and Muga.

10. Traditional
Commodity of Our
Country

11. HIGH EMPLOYMENT POTENTIAL

12. • Labour intensive.
• About 1 million workers are employed in
the silk sector in China.
• Silk Industry provides employment to 7.9
million people in India, and 20,000 weaving
families in Thailand.

13. • It is estimated that Sericulture can generate
employment @ 11 man days per kg of raw
silk production (in on-farm and off-farm
activities) throughout the year.

15. • Village-based industry.
• 20,863 farmers are practicing sericulture,
cultivating 33,861 acres of mulberry.
• Employment to 1,69,305 persons.

16. HIGH RETURNS

17. • An agro based cottage industry
• Capable of providing continuous
income to farmers.
• It requires low investment but, with
potential for relatively higher returns

18. • Estimated investments of Rs.12,000 to 15,000 (excluding
cost of land and rearing space) is sufficient for undertaking
mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing in one acre of
irrigated land.
• Mulberry takes only six months to grow for
commencement of silkworm rearing.
• By adopting stipulated package of practices, a farmer can
attain net income levels up to Rs.30000 per acre per
annum.

19. • Short gestation period, and steady
income throughout the year.
• It is the only one cash crop in
agriculture sector that gives returns
within 30 days.

20. WOMEN FRIENDLY

21. • Participation of women (60%) and family
members leads to higher income flow to the
family.
• This is possible because sericulture activities
starting from mulberry garden management, leaf
harvesting and silkworm rearing is more
effectively taken up by the women.

23. ECOFRIENDLY ACTIVITY

24. • As a perennial crop with good foliage and root-
spread, mulberry contributes to soil conservation
and provides green cover.
• Waste from silkworm rearing can be recycled as
inputs to garden.
• Firewood
• Mulberry can also be cultivated as intercrop with
numerous plantations.

25. IMPORT AND EXPORT

26. • Silk and silk goods are very good
foreign exchange earners.
• Export potential of this sector is
promising.
• Export 1/7th of silk products to foreign
countries

30. BY-PRODUCTS

31. • Many by products are obtained from
sericulture activities.
• Mulberry and silkworm have pharmaceutical
values
• Silkworm is used as a tool for genetic and
biotechnological studies
• Silkworm gives products which are used as
human medicines

32. • The mulberry fruits are rich in minerals and
vitamins and from the roots, barks and mulberry
leaves several Ayurveda and herbal medicines are
prepared.
• Pupal oil is used in cosmetic industry and the
remaining pupal cake is a rich source of protein
suitable for poultry and fisheries.
• In some tribal population, the people eat eri pupa as
a source of protein and nourishment.

33. MULTIPURPOSE USE OF SERICULTURE

34. • Traditional commodity of our country
• Agro based rural industry
• High employment potential
• Production
• Higher income generation potential.
• Maximum turnout can be obtained with
minimum investment.

35. • Ecofriendly activity
• Women friendly
• Higher income per unit area
• Self-employment opportunities
• Pharmaceutical values
• Genetic and biotechnological studies