Andhra Pradesh has emerged as the second-largest producer of silk in India, largely due to the active involvement of women farmers.
Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh has emerged as the second-largest producer of silk in India, largely due to the active involvement of women farmers. Women are at the heart of sericulture -- from raising silkworms to selling precious cocoons.
Retired deputy director of sericulture, Mohana Venkata Ramaraju, explained the scenario to Deccan Chronicle. “Small and marginal farmers in drought-prone areas often rely on mulberry cultivation for their livelihood. An acre of mulberry cultivation can provide employment for five people throughout the year,” he notes.
Ramaraju adds, “In many villages, the silk industry has shaped itself an agriculture-related cottage industry. The work associated with silkworms requires patience. This is why women make up 60 per cent of the workforce in this sector.”Women farmers collect silk cocoons from the market, extract silk thread from them, twist the thread and sell it to weavers. Sericulture in AP is traditionally practised in the Chittoor, Anantapur, Kadapa and Kurnool regions. However, areas such as Kakinada, Prakasham, Eluru, Nellore, Guntur, Alluri Seetharama Raju, Anakapalle and Srikakulam also are involved in the industry.
A significant number of women are involved in these.High-quality mulberry leaves are essential for producing quality silk cocoons. Women are largely engaged in mulberry cultivation. A single mulberry plant yields leaves for up to 15 years. This involves high profit with low investment.
Mulberry can be cultivated in various soil types excluding black and clay soils. Assistant director of sericulture in Visakhapatnam, P Chandrajeevan, noted, “Women in large numbers are now engaged in sericulture.”
Anakapalle district sericulture officer Rajendra Prasad noted that women are handling all the silkworm rearing works in Kodavatipudi village of Kotavartula mandal in Anakapalle.Two types of silk are produced in AP: Malabari and non-Malabari (Tussar) silk. Mulberry silk is derived from silkworms that feed on mulberry leaves, while non-mulberry Tussar silkworms consume Nalla Maddi and Veeru Maddi leaves. Women engaged in sericulture are experienced in cultivating these leaves.
Sericulture officials stated, "Women farmers are the backbone of our sericulture industry. Their dedication, patience and expertise ensure the success of this traditional and economically vital industry. It ensures high-quality silk production and contributes significantly to the state's economy.”
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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