Social Economy of Mulberry Cultivation in Malda District, West Bengal

Mulberry is cultivated throughout India in the villages as cash crop. The cultivation has social, religious and economic significance constitute important goods for internal and foreign trade. In west Bengal Sericulture practiced in several districts out of which Malda is one. Rural economy of Malda is largely dependent to agriculture. There is a considerable scope to increase employment and income in the rural areas through labour intensive and remunerative enterprise like sericulture. Sericulture, an agro-based cottage industry holds high promise as an employment generating occupation considering its popularity of low involvement associated with generation of income. Present study tries to reflect the present pattern of social economy associated with this particular form of occupation and its prospect as an alternative livelihood option for the rural inhabitants in Malda District.