Vol. 12, Issue 2 (2023)

Author(s):
P Sarmah, P Basumatary and Palash Debnath

Abstract:
Sericulture plays an important role in the rural economy of the North Eastern Region (NER) of India and the country enjoys a unique distinction of being the only place in the world that produces all the variety of natural silk viz. mulberry, tassar, muga, oak tasar and eri silk. Eri silkworm is known to be reared in different parts of the world with diverse expectations of silk, food and biomaterial. In Assam, particularly in the Kokrajhar district, ericulture is practised traditionally since time immemorial. However, proper documentation of eri silkworm rearing through traditional method over scientific method is important to attract youth and provide livelihood security. Therefore, realizing the importance of ericulture, a questionnaire and self-based monitoring survey were conducted in Kokrajhar district to understand the traditional rearing technique, innovation and belief in the region. Indigenous rearing techniques, food plant, larvae selection and spinning method are almost same in each part of the northeast region. However, scientific method of ericulture through tray/platform rearing, feeding technique, food plant selection at the different larval stage, rearing room, mountage and spinning method will contribute not only to proper space utilization of rearing room but also makes larvae disease-free. Modern mountage techniques will facilitate uniform size cocoon production and thus increase the marketability of cocoons. Eri yarn production through the traditional method over the motorised spinning machine will not only save time and lower yarn wastage but also contributes to drudgery reduction. Therefore, it can be concluded that ericulture can open up wide employment avenues to many unemployed rural youth in the district and facilitate better income generation with inclusion over traditional methods. Scientific method of rearing will enhance the production potential and encourage different stages of silk rearing and production i.e. from firm to fiber; fiber to fabric; vermin-compost and animal-feed production.