Chapter 5

CHAPTER- 5

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF SERICULTURE

Mulberry cultivation of sericulture in Murshidabad district is an agro-based

cottage industry which provides large employment facilities throughout the year. It has

several advantages such as low capital investment; short gestation period and good

market. Considering the dimension of the unemployment situation in particularly rural

areas, diversification of economic activities for self employment has become important.

Generally farmers of the district are adopting agriculture and sericulture simultaneously

for their income. Its production process of sericulture and silk industry makes a long

chain of interdependent specialize of operation like raising plant of mulberry,seed

production, silkworm rearing, cocoon rearing, twisting, weaving, printing, dyeing,

finishing and marketing etc. which can provide means of livelihood to a large section

of rural population. Mulberry trees grow in wasteland and as a result it has no

competition with agricultural lands. Therefore, rural people are adopting mulberry tree

plantation as it gives multi-benefits besides yielding leaf, food for silk worm. Besides

income for producing silk cocoon, it also has by product value such as mulberry wood

silk worm’s litter, silk waste and pupae etc. Baskets are made from its branches and

pupae waste is very nutritious food for poultry and fishery. In this way, it provides side

business to farmers throughout the year and is a very good income generation.

The present study is confined to empirical and spatial distribution of mulberry

cultivation, raw silk production, reeling cocoon production, marketing of reeling

cocoon. These processes exercise wider impact on rural economy. This chapter is an

earnest attempt to examine the growth and development problem and prospects of

Sericulture in Murshidabad, the study area .It would be relevant to present economic

profile of study area, since it is considered that the impact of any development

programme depends upon the geographic, socio-economic background of the district

from which the respondents sericulturists were selected for the study. The economic

and employment level of the sericulturists also depend to considerable extent on

natural resources and infrastructural facilities available in the district. The district is

famous for silk weaving and can be termed as silk-centre of West Bengal. Although

the printing and dying processes are mainly carried at Serampur in Hooghly district,

Murshidabad enjoys the privilege of having the expertise and silk weaving for

countries. The modern silk factory was first established by British East India

Company at Cossimbazar in 1658, taking benefit of the various location advantages

of the district. In this way, commercial production of silk fabrics in factory was

initiated here for the first time in Bengal. Subsequently, Jangipor became an

important centre in1773, of silk-weaving industry. The most important is the

accessibility to the market. The district is well connected with Kolkata through the

Bhagirathi-Hooghly river which was most important transportation artery of the

region during the early 18th and 19th century.

Availability of raw materials and chief marketing facilities are the important

factor to establish sericulture industry in Murshidabad district. At the end of the 19th

century, the eastward shift of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly system has resulted in the

gradual deterioration of this navigable river channel. At present it is not possible for

big streamers to drive through river near Murshidabad. But even as late as middle of

19th century, Murshidabad was open to ocean going vessels by the river. Along with

this, several other geo-economic factors were responsible for the prosperity and

declining sericulture during the past few decades. The industry, however, has

regained its stability after independence, largely due to earnest effort of the state

government.

An in depth study has been made in the district to bring out the various

characteristics of silk weaving, the reasons for its localisation and the wage structure

of the weavers which have important bearings on the economy of production and

future viability of this industry in and around Murshidabad.

TABLE 5.1: PERCENTAGE OF SHARE OF AREA OF MULBERRY CULTIVATION, PRODUCTION OF REELING COCOON AND RAW SILK IN 2006.

Name of the blocks Area under mulberry cultivation (Acres)

% of share

Number of cultivators

% share Production reeling cocoon (M.T)

% share

Production raw silk (M.T)

% share

Raghunathganj-I 1.19 0.03 7 0.03 0.68 0.03 0.66 0.02

Raghunathganj-II 1.00 0.02 6 0.03 0.96 0.04 0.44 0.01

Lalgola 22.00 0.65 126 0.66 18.06 0.78 1.80 0.77

Sagardighi 20.00 0.59 116 0.60 11.68 0.50 1.50 0.64

Bhawgabangola-I 8.00 0.23 46 0.24 8.44 0.36 1.20 0.48

Bhawgabangola-II 4.00 0.11 24 0.22 4.72 0.20 1.62 0.69

Nabagram 1282.94 38.25 7056 36.45 887.86 38.48 87.82 37.80

Msd-jiajang 21.95 0.38 125 0.64 20.01 0.86 1.70 0.73

Khargram 1644.57 49.03 9833 50.80 1118.30 48.47 112.57 48.46

Berhampore 37.00 1.10 214 1.10 25.16 1.09 3.34 1.43

Burwan 22.06 0.65 125 0.64 10.05 0.43 1.51 0.65

Bharatpur-I 9.00 0.62 52 0.30 6.15 0.26 0.65 0.27

Beldanga-I 30.00 0.81 174 0.09 15.52 0.67 2.05 0.88

Beldanga-II 23.28 0.70 139 0.80 20.16 0.87 2.62 1.12

Hariharpara 31.55 0.94 180 0.93 15.45 0.66 1.86 0.80

Raninagar-I 40.00 1.19 230 1.18 26.32 1.14 4.00 1.72

Domkal 24.00 0.11 138 0.71 20.37 0.88 1.64 0.70

Jalangi 110.00 3.27 638 3.29 84.8 3.67 5.56 2.40

Raninagar-II 20.82 0.62 122 0.63 12.15 0.52 1.36 0.58

SOURCE: State sericulture office in Murshidabad district of W.B, 2006.

TABLE: 5.2 PERCENTAGE OF SILK WORM REARERS TO TOTAL WORKING POPULATION IN

MURSHIDABAD DISTRICT IN 2006 SOURCES: District Statistical Hand Book of 2006 and State Sericulture Office of West Bengal in Kolkata.

Name of the blocks Total no working

population

No of Silk worm

Rearers

Percentage of the silk

worm rears to total

working population

Raghunathganj-I 9379 7 0.07

Raghunathganj-II 6464 6 0.09

Lalgola 21857 126 0.05

Sagardighi 35265 116 0.32

Bhawgabangola-I 19731 46 0.23

Bhawgabangola-II 19296 24 0.12

Nabagram 28286 7056 24.94

Msd-jiajang 29222 125 0.42

Khargram 26897 9833 36.55

Berhampore 38660 214 0.62

Burwan 23497 125 0.53

Bharatpur-I 17542 52 0.29

Beldanga-I 25231 174 0.68

Beldanga-II 23482 139 0.59

Hariharpara 28716 180 0.06

Raninagar-I 18314 230 1.25

Domkal 39924 138 0.34

Jalangi 26461 638 2.41

Raninagar-II 19062 122 0.64

TABLE 5.3 PERCENTAGE OF MULBERRY AREA TO NET SOWN AREA

IN MURSHIDABAD DISTRICT, 2006

SOURCE: State sericulture office in Murshidabad district W.B, 2006

Name of the blocks Net sown area

(In hact.)

Area under mulberry (in hact.)

% of mulberry to net sown area

Raghunathganj-I 5620 1.19 0.02

Raghunathganj-II 4200 1.00 0.02

Lalgola 10139 22.00 0.21

Sagardighi 23288 20.00 0.08

Bhawgabangola-I 9823 8.00 0.08

Bhawgabangola-II 11700 4.00 0.03

Nabagram 23500 1282.94 5,45

Msd-jiajang 14550 21.95 0.14

Khargram 26390 1644.57 6.22

Berhampore 14180 37.00 0.26

Burwan 18200 22.66 0.12

Bharatpur-I 13240 9.00 0.06

Beldanga-I 13416 30.00 0.22

Beldanga-II 13720 23.28 0.61

Hariharpara 18224 31.35 0.17

Raninagar-I 22187 24.00 0.10

Domkal 10170 40.00 0.39

Jalangi 10500 110.00 1.04

Raninagar-II 12168 20.82 0.16

5.1 Changing pattern and distribution of mulberry cultivation

Mulberry foliage is the only food for the silkworm (bombyxmori) and can be grown under

various climatic conditions but the most suitable condition is as follows-Temperature 22° -

30°C , Rainfall 1000-2000 mm for luxuriant growth of mulberry, deep well drained fertile

soil ( clay-loamy to loamy texture) is better suited for higher yield of quality leaves.

Mulberry leaf is a major economic component in sericulture since the quality and quantity

of leaf produced per unit area have a direct bearing on cocoon harvest.

The spatial distribution of Mulberry lands in Murshidabad record its regional

concentration at Nabagram and Khargram and Jalangi blocks. Mulberry cultivation in

other parts of the district is relatively sparse and insignificant. The western part of the

Bhagirathi river has higher concentration of mulberry in the district. The mulberry

fields of these belts are located mostly on river levees and on raised land because the

plant does not prefer water-logging condition. The success of mulberry leaf production

in this belt depends on various factors e.g. agronomic character like good rooting, fast

growing high yield, wide adaptability to environment, soil condition and resistance to

disease. In the eastern part of this region, mulberry cultivation is concentrated only at

Jalangi interfluves region. Such low concentration in this region may be due to

generally low-lying nature of the terrain which mostly remains submerging under

flood.

Although,, mulberry covers an insignificant proportion of net sown area in the

district, Nabagram (5.45%) and Khargram (6.23%) shares highest percentage of

mulberry area to total net sown area.

TABLE 5.4 GROWTH OF MULBERRY AREA IN (TRIENNIUM) 1992-95 TO 2002-05

SOURCE: Computed from District statistical Hand book, 2006

Due to the socio- economic differentiation, mulberry cultivation varies from

block to block. During 1992-95 mulberry area was 2948.40 acres but it increased

Average Mulberry Area in Acre Growth rate (%)

Name of the block 1992-95 2002-05 1992-95 to 2002-05

Suti-I 1.00 0.05 -50

Suti-II 1.00 0.4 -60

Raghunathganj-I 1.50 1.53 2

Raghunathganj-II 1.20 1.24 3

Lalgola 22 22.66 3

Sagardighi 20 21 5

Bhawgabangola-I 7 7.21 3

Bhawgabangola-II 3 3.09 3

Nabagram 1154.64 1270.04 10

Msd-jiajang 20 21.2 6

Berhampore 35 37.8 8

Burwan 21 22.05 6

Bharatpur-I 8 8.4 5

Beldanga-I 27.10 29.54 9

Beldanga-II 22.02 23.78 8

Khargram 1397.8 1565.53 12

Hariharpara 30.01 32.11 7

Raninagar-I 38.12 42.69 12

Domkal 23.04 25.11 9

Jalangi 97.24 107.94 11

Raninagar-II 17.85 18.92 6

Total 2948.40 3298.771 11.88

3298.77 acres in the year of 2002-05. From the Figure -5.1 following blocks have

shown the highest growth of the mulberry cultivation Khargram (12 %), Raninagar-I,

(12.05 %), Nabagram (10 %), and Jalangi (11.58 %), due to following facilities such as

large land holding, fertile soil and good climatic conditions, HYV seeds, manure and

fertilizers, irrigation facilities, availability of cheap and skilled labour, number of

nurseries, government loan facilities, proper maintenance of mulberry garden as per

calendar of operation and availability of proper quality of mulberry leaf in sufficient

quantity, sufficient rearing space and equipment, effective extension and timely

guidance to farmer and encourage adoption of new technology at village and blocks

level for better result and viable benefits.

Following are the blocks which come under the stable growth rate of Mulberry

distribution which is shown in Figure -5.1. These are, Domkal (9 %), Beldanga-I (9.1

%) and Berhampore (8 %).

The Figure- 5.1 shows that the blocks which come under lower growth rate of

Mulberry distribution in Murshidabad district are Msd-Jiajang (6%), Burwan (6.5%),

Bharatpure- I I (5%), caused by non-availability of mulberry cutting, inadequate supply

of irrigation facilities, competition with other crops, most of the sericulturists are

traditional, local mulberry varieties for plantation which give low leaves yields and the

low quality and fluctuation of marketing price. After the analysis of the map, it is found

there are only blocks which show negative growth rate. These are Suti-I (50%) and

Suti-II (60%).

Fig. 5.1

The following factors are responsible for negative growth rate of the mulberry

cultivation. Mulberry leaves are largely affected by vegetable cultivation because the

vegetable cultivation needs intensive utilization of insecticides and pesticides. Both

these chemical are very harmful for the growth of mulberry leaves. Consequently these

leaves become dry which is unsuitable for use. New leaves are the essential food for

the silkworm that helps to grow for harvest cocoon. These are the main causes for low

production and productivity of Mulberry in terms of quality as well as quantity. One of

the other factors, which cause negative growth, is commercial cultivation of truck

farming, which is more profitable to the farmers. Therefore most of the farmer is

interested for vegetable cultivation in these blocks then mulberry cultivation.

Photo - 5.1 INITIAL STAGE OF MULBERRY PLANTATION

Photo -5.2 MATURE STAGE OF MULBERRY PLANTATION

Photo -5.2 MATURE STAGE OF MULBERRY PLANTATION

5.2 Changing pattern and distribution of reeling cocoon The reeling cocoon depends on both physical and social attributes. Physical

attributes include the supply of good quality of mulberry leaves, supply of disease- free

lying, application of insecticide and pesticide for eradication of insects, fly pest etc. and

social attributes include the rearing skills, traditional occupation, age structure, income

of the farmers, caste and creed etc.

It is evident from Table - 5.5 that the production of reeling cocoon was 1836.42 metric tonnes

during 1992-95 but it has increased 2083.34 metric tonnes in the year of 2002-05. The figure -

5.2 shows the blocks having the higher growth rate of Jalangi (16.25%), Khargram (12.48%),

Nabagram (12.01%) and Burwan (12.36%). Because of the seasonal influence cocoon is

mainly produced in spring and late autumn. Moderate temperature and favourable humidity

are responsible climatic condition for mulberry production as well as high growth rate of it.

Other factors are as follows-

Cocoons harvested through the complete cycle of pupation, good adaptation of

proper and effective method of disinfection, maintaining of hygienic condition during

rearing, use of chemical components like formalin, bleaching power, slaked lime,

chlorine dioxide for disinfection of silkworm, availability of large land holding for

mulberry leaves, number of rearers, availability for material processing, good

sanitation etc.

TABLE 5.5: GROWTH OF REELING COCOON IN (TRIENNIUM) 1992-95 TO 2002-05

Average Production of Reeling Cocoon (Mt.Tonne) Growth rate (%)

Name of the blocks 1992-95 2002-05 1992-95 to 2002-05

Suti-I 0.6 0.4 -33.33

Suti-II 0.9 0.6 -33.33

Raghunathganj-I 1.2 0.8 -33.33

Raghunathganj-II 0.3 0.1 -66.66

Lalgola 12.44 13.67 9.88

Sagardighi 11.03 12.12 8.98

Bhawgabangola-I 4.76 4.91 3.00

Bhawgabangola-II 2.43 2.48 2.05

Nabagram 701.55 791.31 12.01

Msd-jiajang 12.69 13.95 9.92

Berhampur 23.13 25.61 9.7

Burwan 11.97 13.45 12.36

Bharatpur-I 5.31 5.59 5.27

Beldanga-I 16.74 18.64 10.20

Beldanga-II 10.81 11.45 5.52

Khargram 894.94 1022.56 12.48

Hariharpara 18.43 19.61 6.40

Raninagar-I 22.25 24.86 10.50

Domkal 14.02 14.92 16.41

Jalangi 58.81 68.39 16.28

Raninagar-II 12.11 12.43 2.59

Total 1836.42 2083.34 13.44

SOURCE: Computed from District statistical Hand book, 2006

The blocks of high growth rate of cocoon are Raninagar-I (10.5%), Beldanga-I

(10.20%), Berhampore (9.71%), Msd - Jiajang (9.92%) and Lalgola (9.88%). The

lower growth rate of reeling cocoon production is found in Domkal (6.4%),

Hariharpara (6.40%), Beldanga-I (I5.52%) and Bharatpur(6.40%),because the

production of cocoon in these regions suffered a serious setback during the flood e.g.

mulberry leaves and silk worm eggs were largely damaged due to flood during 2001.

During that year the production of cocoon was mostly nisttary variety of cocoon, when

bi-voltine cocoons were not produced. On the Other hand, rearers faced the problems

of irrigation, the only source during summer which affects the production of leaves.

The egg supply comes from government grainages which is not effective. The

maximum production per season is 20-25 Kg and there are about 5 commercial seasons

for rearing e.g. (1) February-march (2) April-May (3) July-August (4) September-

October and (5) November-December but it is not covered in this region. Another

problem found behind the growth of reeling cocoons is in the variation of its rate which

varies from season to season depending on the yarn market. This phenomenon is quite

significant, because cocoon price is usually determined by middle man and this again is

dependent on the existing demand of woven fabrics. This vertical linkage in price

structure is made further complicated by the monopoly trade system in cocoon and silk

yarn, which is common practice in this region as well as in other parts of India,

resulting insecurity for primary producer for the village farmers.

Fig. 5.2

Following are the four blocks in which negative growth rate is found- Suti-I

(-33%), Suti-II (-33%), Raghunathganj-I (-33.33%) and Raghunathganj-II (-

66.66%), due to non-availability of mulberry cutting process, several diseases of

mulberry leaves caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa which affected the

silkworm, inadequate supply of irrigation water, competition from the other crops,

uncertainty regarding the cocoon market, lack of proper reeling facilities, profit earned

by mahajan and middle man. The profit shared by the farmer is normal, most of the

time the primary producers are exploited due to the fluctuation in the market price.

5.3 Changing pattern and distribution of raw silk production

Raw silk is produced through a set of processes, which aims at efficient

extraction of silk filament from cocoons. Raw silk is the final product of cocoon

processing. Silk reeling is carried out with the reeling devices via charka, cottage basin,

multiend reeling, and machineries, where as multiend reeling device is used to produce

gradable raw silk which make it highly economic oriented.

Raw silk is produced from cocoons of an insect usually and rather inaccurately

called “silkworm”. These insects are silk-producing moths which before reaching

maturity pass through a “Caterpillar” or butterfly. The cocoon is formed from an

unbroken fibre that furnishes the silk fabrics of commercial purpose.

The growth rate of the raw silk records its regional concentration at Khargram

(18%). Nabgram (17%), Berhampore (17%), Raninagar-I (13%) and Jalangi (15%) due

to availability of high quality of cocoons, availability of charka, cottage basin and

multiple reeling technology for reeling good quality of yarn, adequate machinery are

used for dying, cooking, reeling, and re-reeling, good quality water for cleanness of

cocoon and scientific rearing equipment, availability of good transport facilities,

number of adjoining blocks etc.

TABLE 5.6 GROWTH OF RAW SILK IN (TRIENNIUM) 1992-05 TO 2002-05

SOURCE: Computed from District statistical Hand book, 2006

Average Production of Raw Silk in (Mt. Tonne) Growth rate (%)

Name of the block 1992-95 2002-05 1992-95 to 2002-05

Suti-I 0.20 0.18 -22

Suti-II 0.16 0.14 -12.80

Raghunathganj-I 0.28 0.25 3

Raghunathganj-II 0.41 0.42 3

Lalgola 1.38 1.48 7

Sagardighi 0.91 0.96 6

Bhawgabangola-I 1.78 1.87 7

Bhawgabangola-II 0.85 0.89 5

Nabagram 76.44 88.67 16

Msd-jiajang 1.28 1.31 2

Berhampore 3.56 4.17 17

Burwan 1.27 1.43 12

Bharatpur-I 3.56 3.20 -10

Beldanga-I 1.67 1.85 11

Beldanga-II 1.34 1.46 9

Khargram 86.40 101.95 18

Hariharpara 1.41 1.52 8

Raninagar-I 1.60 1.8 13

Domkal 1.42 1.56 10

Jalangi 5.20 5.99 15

Raninagar-II 1.05 1.06 1.0

Total 189.28 222.19 17.38

Fig 5.3

Photo – 5.4 INITIAL STAGE OF SILK WORM REARING

Photo – 5.6 MATURE STAGE OF SILK WORM REARING

PHOTO – 5.5 SECONDARY STAGE PF SILK WORM REARING

Photo – 5.7 OLD STAGE OF SILK WORM REARING

Photo – 5.8 PRODUCTOIN OF COCOONS FROM SILK WORM IN THE BASKE

Photo – 5.9 COCOONS READY FOR SELLING IN THE MARKET

Photo – 5.10 RAW SILK (YARN) IS PRODUCED FROM CHARKABASIN

Photo – 5.11 FINISHED PRODUCT OF RAW SILK (YARN) FROM CHARKABASIN

Photo – 5.12 PRODUCED RAW SILK (YARN) IS BROUGHT TO DRY UP IN THE SUNLIGHT

Photo – 5.13 RAW SILK (YARN) IS PRODUECED For SELING

Figure-5.3 shows the medium growth rate of these blocks like Domkal

(10%),Beldanga-I (11%), Beldanga-I I (9%), Burwan (12%), the blocks,which show

low growth rate are Lalgola (7%), Bhawgabangola- I (7%), Sagardighi (6%), etc, due

to inherent inadequacy in charka for producing good quality of silk, lack of storage

facility, lack of adequate weaver of cocoon market, interference of middle man and

mahajan, distress sale at low price, lack of transport facilities, loss of quality as well as

quantity of cocoon during transportation. It has been found after the analysis of data

that following three blocks have negative growth rate. These are Suti-I (-22%), Suti-II

(-12.80%) and Bharatpur –I (-10%). Several factors are responsible for negative

growth rate in raw silk production such as lack of sericulturist, farm affected by uzify

past, lack of demonstration farm, problem faced by sericulturists in diverting the land

from crop to mulberry, shortage of water for irrigation during summer, lack of chawkie

rearing centre, shortage of cocoon, lack of minimum support price, problem of feeding

to the silkworms , maintenance of rearing equipment, bed disinfection, harvesting

cocoon, preference to the vegetable cultivation etc.

5.4 Socio- economic profile of sericulture farmers

This chapter deals with the socio-economic profile of the farmers at micro-level

in Murshidabad district of West Bengal. It also attempts to study the socio- economic

status of sericulture farmers in rural areas which is the determinant of their income and

occupation. The marginal farmers dominate the sericulture farming community. The

caste, occupation, education, social participation, land holding , house types material

possession, farm power, family size and family type jointly determine the profile of an

individual farmer.

5.4.1 Land holding

The economic position of growers may be measured with the parameter of

“Land holding”. On the economic side, a small size of land holding has come as a

major hurdle in the way of introducing new and improved agricultural techniques. The

sampled sericulturists belong to different categories of farm size holdings. The

particulars regarding the size of the land holding of the sampled sericulturists are

manifested in Table-5.7. It is observed from the table that out of the 885 sampled

sericulturists, 354 have below 5 acres of land, constituting about 40 per cent of the

total land holdings , 266 sericulturists are in category of 5-10 acres of land 30 per cent

followed by 177 sericulturists in the size of 10-15 acres 20 per cent. Among the

sample sericulturists, 9 members belong to the category of above 25 acres 0.10 per cent

TABLE 5.7: SIZE OF LAND HOLDING OF SAMPLED SERICULTURISTS

Sl No Size of land holding No. of Seri culturists Percentage

1 Below 5 354 40.38

2 5-10 266 30.42

3 10-15 177 20.85

4 15-20 53 6.0

5 20-25 26 2.32 6 above25 9 0.10

Total 885 100

SOURCE: Based on field survey,2006-07

Fig 5.4

5.4.2 Educational background

There is a general feeling that averages Indian farmer are illiterate persons .It is

also believed that a farmer can be more effective if he is educated. It is presumed that if

a member is educated, he can be made aware of scientific method of farming and

marketing of his production. An attempt is made to analyse the educational background

of the selected respondents. From the Table - 5.8,it is evident that about 40 per cent of

the respondents are illiterates and 28 per cent of the respondents studied up to the

elementary school level, 21 per cent studied up to S.S.C and 2 per cent is graduate and

above

TABLE 5.8 EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND OF SAMPLED SERICULTURISTS

SOURCE: Based on field survey,2006-07

Fig 5.5

5.4.3 Principal and subsidiary occupation

In order to know the dependence on agriculture and other subsidiary occupation,

relevant information has been garnered and also exhibited in the Table - 5.9. It may be

seen that, about 60 per cent of the respondents reported agriculture and sericulture as

Sl No Level of Education No. of Seri culturists Percentage

1 Illiterate 354 40.00

2 Primary education 247 28.57

3 Secondary Education 187 21.57

4 Intermediate 79 9.0

5 Graduation 18 2.14

Total 885 100

their principal occupation. The main source of income for such respondents is

agriculture. Next to agriculture, these respondents are involved in agriculture as well as

business and other allied activities i.e. 265 respondent constituting 29 per cent of the

total sampled size. It is understood that majority of the selected sericulturists purely

depend upon agriculture for their livelihood.

TABLE: 5.9: PRINCIPAL AND SUBSIDIARY OCCUPATION OF SAMPLED SERICULTURISTS

SOURCE: Based on field survey, 2006-07

Fig 5.6

Sl No Particulars No. of Seri culturists Percentage

1 Main occupation Subsidiary occupation 0 0

3 Agriculture sericulture 523 60.85

4 Agriculture Business 265 29.00

5 Agriculture Business and other allied activities

97 10.96

Total 885 100

5.4.4 Sources of irrigation

Major part of the land in the sampled village is irrigated through open well,

tube wells, bore, tank and canals. Almost all the sampled respondents are using the

electrical pump sets for open well and tube well for irrigating their land. Table - 5.10

explicates the sources of irrigation in the sampled villages. It could be noticed from the

table that more than 66 per cent of sampled respondents have open well and with

electric motors as a major source of irrigation, 11 per cent of respondents have other

sources like river and canal for irrigation of their land.

TABLE 5.10 SOURCES OF IRRIGATION OF SAMPLED SERICULTURISTS

SOURCE: Based on field survey, 2006-07

Fig 5.7

Sl. No Name of the Source No. of Seri culturists Percentage 1 Rain fed 44 5.0 2 Open wells with electric motors 591 66.67 3 Tube well 147 16.62 4 Other source-tank and canals 103 11.63

Total 885 100

5.4.5 Possession of house

Table-5.11 shows the data relating to possession of house by sampled

sericulturists. It is apparent from the table that majority of the sampled respondents are

residing in huts, tali made houses, thatched houses etc.,constituting 22 per cent of the

total household. Out of the total 885 sample respondents, 98 respondents 11 per cent of

the total have pucca buildings.

TABLE 5.11: POSSESSION OF HOUSE BY THE SAMPLED SERICULTURISTS

SOURCE: Based on field survey, 2006-07

Fig 5.8

Sl No Type of House No. of Seri culturists Percentage

1 Pucca building 98 11.14

2 Tali made 196 22.14

3 Huts 444 50.16

4 Other 147 16.61

Total 885 100

5.4.6 Income level

The income level of sericulturists is shown in Table -5.12. It shows that 6 per

cent of sericulturists come under low income group i.e. below 1,000 per annum. The

annual income of majority of the respondent ranges between Rs20, 000-30,000, which

accounted for 41 per cent of total surveyed sericulturists. The sericultutrists having

annual income more than Rs50, 000 are nineteenth which is about only 2.14 per cent.

The other whose annual income ranges between Rs. 10,000-20,000 shared to 27 per

cent and they are the marginal and small farmers.

TABLE 5.12: INCOME LEVEL OF SAMPLED SERICULTURISTS

SOURCE: Based on field survey, 2006-07

Fig 5.9

Sl No Income Level No. of Seri culturists Percentage

1 Below10,000 59 6.66 2 10,000-20,000 245 27.68 3 20,000-30,0000 370 41.80 4 30,000-40,000 157 17.74

5 40,000-50,000 34 3.71

6 Above 50,000 19 2.14 Total 885 100

5.5 Mulberry Cultivation Mulberry cultivation or sericulture is a part of agriculture. It plays a significant

role in providing the raw material i.e. leaves to sericulture industry.

5.5.1 Size of land holding under mulberry

The data given in the Table- 5.13 shows the size of mulberry land in the

surveyed villages .The study revealed that in most of the blocks, mulberry cultivation

takes place in a limited size of landholding. This table reveals that, about 40 per cent of

the sericulturists grow mulberry plants in a very small land (about 0.5 acres). There are

274 sericulturists and about, 31 percent of the total, have mulberry cultivation on 0.5

to1.0 acre of land. There are 123 farmers whose size of land holdings range between

1.01-1.50 acres, constituting 14 per cent of the total sampled sericulturists, 3farmers

belong to the category of 2.2-2.50 acres, accounting per cent of the total.

TABLE 5.13 SIZE OF LAND HOLDING UNDER MULBERRY BY THE SAMPLED SERICULTURISTS

SOURCE: Based on field survey, 2006-07

Sl. No Size of land holding No. of Seri culturists Percentage

1 Below 5 354 40.00 2 0.5-1.0 274 31.42 3 1.0-1.5 123 14.28 4 1..5-2.0 70 8.57

5 2.0-2.5 3 3.42 6 Above 2.5 2 2.28

Total 885 100

Fig 5.10

It is surprising to notice that there are no farmers having more than 3 acres

of land under mulberry cultivation. It is found that majority of the sericulturists are

small and marginal farmers. Almost all the mulberry plants in the sampled villages are

above the age of three or four years. It is observed that majority of the mulberry

growers have planted M5 variety of mulberry seeds/cuttings. In traditional areas, the

farmers can get four to five crops in a year. But in the non-traditional areas only three

to four crops can be raised.

5.1.2 Procuring of mulberry cutting

Sericulturists generally procure the mulberry cuttings from different sources

like neighbouring mulberry cultivators, government and other sources. Table 5.14

shows the source of procuring the mulberry cutting by the sericulturists in the sampled

villages.

TABLE 5.14: SOURCE OF PROCURING MULBERRY CUTTING BY THESAMPLED SERI CULTURISTS

SOURCE: Based on field survey, 2006-07

It can be observed that majority of the sericulturists procure mulberry cutting

from the neighbouring sericulturists. Another source is government farms. The above

table indicates the factor that influenced the sample respondents to switch over to

mulberry cultivation.

Fig 5.11

Sl No Name of the Sources No. of Seri culturists Types of Organization

1 Neighbouring Sericulturists 550(62.66) Private sector

2 Government Farm 352 (36.00) Public sector

3 Outside the state 10(1.12) ----------

4 other -------- -----------

Total 885(100) -------

5.6 Silkworm rearing

Silk worm rearing is a complicated process involving various technical and

scientific aspects, which are to be understood and implemented for high productivity.

The problems faced by the sericulturists in silkworm rearing must be examined

carefully as they influence the sericulture industry adversely. Table 5.15 discloses the

sources of procuring Cbdfls by the sericulturists. It may be noted from the table that 73

per cent of the sericulturisrs collect the Cbdfls from the government grainages for

procurement.

TABLE 5.15 SOURCES OF PROCURING CBDFLS BY THE SAMPLED SERICULTURIS

SOURCE: Based on field survey, 2006-07

Sl No Sources No. of Seri culturists Types of organization

1 Local agent 142 (16.04) Private sector

3 Government Grainges 650 (73.44) Public sector

4 Outside of the state ------- ------

5 Other source 95 (10.74) Local

Total 885 (100) ---

Fig 5.12

5.7 Marketing of cocoons Since the marketing is not well developed in Murshidabad district, the

sericulturists prefer, marketing of their production in regional market and neighbouring

districts. For the entire district, Islampur is only the government cocoon market situated

near the head quarter at Berhampure . It is apparent from the Table -5.16 that 29

sampled respondents show interest in disposing their production through Pachgram

cocoon market. Nearly 39 percent of the cocoons produced in the sample villages were

diverted to other markets in Malda district and rest in Birhum district.

TABLE 5.16 SOURCES FOR MARKETING OF COCOON BY THE SAMPLED SERICULTURIS

SOURCE: Based on field survey, 2006-07

Sl No Sources No. of Sericulturists Types of organization

1 Malda 350(39.54) Private sector 2 Birhum 185(20.90) Public sector 3 Pacgram 265(29.94) Local 4 Islampur 85(9.60) Government

Total 885 100

Sources of Finance

There are different sources of finance available for the sericulturists. But they

always rely on the unscrupulous village money lenders, friends and relatives as shown

in Table-5.17. It can be observed that the role of organised sector in credit deployment

to the sampled sericulturists is not up to the mark; their contribution is only 35 per cent.

The village money lenders played a dominant role in lending money to the

sericulturists. The interest charge by these village money lenders and other indigenous

person is very high, but still they depend on these sources because of reluctance of the

bank in extending credit and abnormal delays in disbursement of loans. It can be

concluded from the table that there is need to strengthen the institutional base to protect

the sericulturists farm from the octopus grips of the unscrupulous agencies.

Fig. 5.13

TABLE 5.17 SOURCES OF FINANCE FOR SAMPLED SERICULTURISTS

SOURCE: Based on field survey, 2006-07

Sl. No Factors No. of Sericulturists Percentage

1 Commercial bank 63 7.11

2 Co-operative society 108 12.2

3 Murshidabad Garmin bank 192 21.00

4 Friends and Relatives 56 6.32

5 Village money lender 422 49.04

6 Other indigenous Sources 44 4.07

Total 885 100

Fig.5.14

Problems associated with mulberry cultivation, silkworm rearing and

cocoon marketing

It is can be understood from the Table - 5.18 that most important problem faced

by the sericulturist in mulberry cultivation in the study area is incidence of pest and

diseases. The other problems faced by the sericulturist are the scarcity of assured

irrigation facilities during summer and lack of demonstration farm for imparting

practical knowledge in plantation and maintenance of mulberry gardens. It is necessary

to regulate the water supply carefully when the leaves are harvested during silkworm

rearing. The decline in the growth of leaves effect the profitability of the cocoon

production. Due to the uneven distribution of rainfall in Murshidabad district, regular

irrigation needs to be applied because wells posses limited supplies of water which

almost dry up during summer.

Although the soil and climatic conditions of the area under study are ideally

suited for extensive cultivation of mulberry, the availability of irrigation water largely

influences and restricts the production of mulberry.

TABLE 5.18 PROBLEMS OF MULBERRY CULTIVATION

Sl. No. Factors No.of Sericulturists Percentage

1 Number of Seri culturists farm affected by leaf post 50 28.57

2 Number of Seri culturists farm affected by Powdry, Nildew, Flachery and Grossary

125 71.42

3 Lack of demonstrations 100 57.14

Note: Each Problem is considered independently of total sampled size.

(SOURCE: Based on Field survey, 2006-07)

Form the Table -5.18 it can be noted that almost all the respondent expressed

that the attack of uzifly pest, muscardin, grassary and flachery during silkworm rearing

is very harmful for silk production. It is also brought to the knowledge that there is no

mobile disinfection van in the study area. Some of the respondents expressed non-

availability of CbdflS and also reported the lack of equipments during silkworm

rearing. Some of the respondents faced the problems of not having separate rearing

houses. About 100 respondents have not been provided with chawkie rearing units.

4 Problem faced by the Seri culturists in diverting the land form other crops to mulberry.

20 11.42

5 Shortage of water for irrigation during summer 80 45.71

Fig.5.15

TABLE 5.19 PROBLEMS OF SILKWORM REARING

Note: Each Problem is considered independently of total Sampled Size. (SOURCE: Based on field survey, 2006-07)

Sl No Factors No. of Seri culturists

Percentage

1 Number of Seri culturists farm affected by Uzify Pest 140 78

2 Number of Seri culturists farm affected by Muscardin 166 92

3 Number of Seri culturists farm affected by Grassery and Flachery 176 98

4 Lack of Separate Rearing room 130 72

5 Lack of availability of qualitative CBDFLS 70 39

6 Lacks of Disinfection mobile van 180 100

7 Lack of Chakie rearing Centres 124 69

8 Shortage of Scientific rearing equipment 154 87

Fig.5.16

The study also reveals that all the respondents reported the lack of adequate

number of regulated market or at least their counterparts at the focal point where

sericulture is under practice. It is also brought to notice that there are no proper storage

facilities to preserve the production. Lack of good transport facilities are also reported

by 104 respondents which causes great loss in quantity as well as quality of cocoons

during transport. Wastage of cocoons while sampling was also reported by majority of

the respondents. It was critically mentioned that there was no minimum support price

for cocoon.

TABLE 5.20 PROBLEMS OF COCOON MARKETING

Note: Each Problem is considered independently of the total sampled size

. (SOURCE: Based on field survey, 2006-07)

Sl No Particulars No. of Sericulturist Percentage

1 Lack of transport facilities 104 58

2 Loss in quality of cocoon during transportation

27 15

3 Lake of adequate number of cocoon market or their counterparts

180 100

4 Lack of Storage facility 180 100

5 Lack of minimum Support Price 180 100

6 Lacks of Disinfection mobile van 180 100

7 Wastage of cocoon While sampling 47 26

Fig.5.17