SOIL TO SILK FABRIC PROCESS UNDERONE ROOF

Sericulture, the cultivation of silkworms for silk production, holds immense potential for economic growth and rural development. As a labour-intensive and agro-based industry, it provides sustainable income opportunities for small-scale farmers and rural communities. By utilizing minimal land resources, sericulture offers an excellent source of employment, particularly for women and marginalized groups, fostering inclusive development.

Additionally, the industry's high export value contributes significantly to national economies, especially in developing countries. Integrating sericulture with modern technologies and government support can further enhance productivity, encourage entrepreneurship, and improve farmers' livelihoods. Thus, sericulture serves as a powerful tool to uplift rural economies and drive sustainable agricultural growth.

•         Mulberry plantation is less affected by sudden seasonal variations of climate thereby ensuring stability in farmer’s income. Jalna district planned for 5000 acre of mulberry plantation up to 2029-30

•         Apart from the initial assistance the sericulture farmers are able to self-sustain their income without any governmental support.

•         Female workforce participation is considerable in whole process from Mulberry plantation & rearing house to silk weaving units.

•         Sericulture is also less physically demanding work making the favourable option for most of the workforce age groups.

•         Mulberry plantation does not require use of pesticides making it environment friendly and less financially burdening by means of cutting costs on agri-inputs.

Jalna District had planned to increase area under cultivation to 5,000 acres up to 2030. Special focus on increasing processing capacities and related activities. District had implemented a holistic approach of convergence of various Government schemes to increase productivity and bring sustainability in the sector. Schemes like DPDC, Silk Samgra and MGNREGS were utilised for strengthening the sector further. District also had created an android mobile application which enables farmers to know the live spot rates, quantity available in the market, live auction facility, market updates, inter state quote facility, etc, which further leads to ease of doing business with positive gains. Employment generation potential is also utilised with systematic approach and trainings to increase livelihood of farmers. District’s Sericulture industry has indirect economy also that includes transportation costs, temporary labour hired, trainings involved and external markets. In this financial year, Mulberry cultivation will lead to an economy of Rs.110 Crores p.a. only on cocoons production which has potential to give boost to rural economy of the district.