Mechanization in Sericulture: An Overview

Sericulture is a labour-intensive enterprise involving activities with dependency on manual labour. With the growing competition of Chinese silk which is of superior quality and lesser price, the indigenous silk is falling in demand in the domestic market. There is a felt need to reduce the cost of production to improve the quality of Indian silk and its value. This can be achieved through mechanization in the various steps involved. For instance Tractor-operated mouldboards or disk plough and Tractor-operated Auger Digger for raising of plantations reduce labour cost to a considerable extent. Power-operated Sprayers for disinfection of rearing houses increases efficiency and also ensures good harvest of crop. Mechanisation of post cocoon sector for cocoon stifling, cocoon cutting and for silk reeling and spinning have improved quality, increased productivity thus reduction in prices. Mechanization will not only reduce drudgery and dependency on labour but also enhance the quality of life. Mechanisation thus culminates to lessening the cost of production.