Comparative study on income generation through agriculture crop and sericulture at farmer's level in Murshidabad district

Abstract

Sericulture is recognized as an important rural as well as cottage industry in India. In this study, we have made a comparative analysis on the income generation from sericulture as compared to traditional agriculture crops. Our study clearly indicates that sericulture is capable of generating more income than other cash crops like paddy, wheat etc. Most of the crops can be grown once or twice in a year but sericulture can be practiced 4-5 times in a year. The combined net income from that multiple farming system in a year is Rs. 42,550 (Paddy in summer season, paddy in rainy season and mustard each amounting Rs. 13,330 + 18,580 + 10,640 = Rs. 42,550) which is still less than sericulture which generate Rs. 52,900 in one acre of land for irrigated condition. Sericulture provides regular employment to the farmers which ultimately check the migration of population from rural areas to urban areas, therebyrnminimizing the population and pollution in urban areas by arresting the growth of slums in urban areas. Sericulture has a major role in the employment generation for the rural people. Hence, sericulture can be considered as an essential tool for the rural development for improving the standard of living of human population of village level.