Sericulture for livelihood security of rural women

Growing agricultural crops is not enough to sustain a living. As a result, diversification of agriculture into various income-generating enterprises has become the norm. Sericulture, a traditional agro-based activity has played an important role in rural livelihood security, particularly among marginalized and weaker sections of society, benefiting over 8 million people in rural and semi-urban areas in India. It is ideal for rural areas because it requires little capital, is labour intensive, and is commercially appealing. It has been the leading source of world silk, and being the finest and softest of all the silks, can be used to create a variety of gorgeous and alluring garments. Rural women, in addition to their daily household activities, can use their leisure time in practicing sericulture. In reality, it is an occupation by women and for women because women form more than 60% of the workforce and 80% of silk is consumed by them. In general, women in the house, while attending to household activities, also look after silkworm rearing activities like leaf chopping, bed cleaning, feeding the silkworms, maintenance of hygiene, picking the ripe worms and placing them on mountages and so on. Silkworms are more delicate and have to be handled with proper care. Thus, the entire process of silkworm rearing needs expertise, patience and high skill. Women possess the above qualities abundantly and are more suitable. The activities not only help to increase their household income but also assist many of them in escaping from extreme poverty. Furthermore, these women gain economic and social empowerment.