Evaluation of mulberry silkworm shelf-rearing in eastern and north eastern India

Abstract

Sericulture is a remunerative enterprise with little investment as compared to other crops but labor-intensive. In such cases, very crucial to opt for labour reduction practices in sericulture without sacrificing quantity and quality of silk cocoons. Under these circumstances, one of the proven technologies is shelf-rearing method with shoot feeding; which was popularized through Transfer of Technology (ToT) programme by CSR&TI-Berhampore in Eastern and North-Eastern India since 2018-19. This study was conducted to examine impact of shelf-rearing at farmers’ level compared to traditional dala/tray rearing prevailed in these regions for silkworm rearing with appropriate sample data set and statistical analysis. The result of silkworm rearing through shelf-rearing exhibited more significant impact on the quantity of cocoons and saving labour. The cocoon production improved by 6 kg and saved 9 person-days per 100 dfls in shelf-rearing compared to control. The partial budgeting analysis revealed a net income of ₹4020.00/crop/100 dfls and BCR was 1.22. The technology adoption at farmer’s level not only increases cocoon production, but also saves labour requirement and hence boosts the economic soundness of seri-farmers. The benefits of shelf-rearing method are very encouraging and should be disseminated on large scale amongst farmers of Eastern and North-Eastern India.