Economics of women-led sericulture enterprise in Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka

Sericulture plays important role in empowerment of women and this study emphasized on calculating the cost and return of cocoon production and reeling unit. The study was carried out in Chikballapur district of Karnataka state. Multistage sampling was done in Sidlaghatta and Chintamani taluks based on highest area under mulberry cultivation. Sixty women entrepreneur were selected from both the taluka undertaking both enterprises (15 each). Total cost involved in cocoon production was Rs. 0.548/- lakh per batch which comprises of Rs. 0.076/- lakh fixed cost and Rs. 0.472 lakh variable cost. Gross return accounted to Rs. 0.803 lakh/per batch and 6.826 lakh/year. Price of cocoon was Rs. 550/-kg. Returns per rupee invested was 1.40 for cocoon production. Capital requirement of multi end reeling unit was Rs 6.308 lakh comprised of reeling house, boiler and reeler .Cost involved in raw silk production was Rs. 0.405 lakh and annual expenditure was Rs. 106.059 lakh and returns from raw silk production was Rs. 119.054 lakh/year and Rs. 0.458 lakh/day. Returns per rupee investment was 1.13.