Sericulture is an important agro-based rural industry supporting livelihood and rural employment in India. In the Rohilkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Pilibhit district (Puranpur, Bisalpur, Barkhera and nearby rearing clusters), mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing have expanded in recent years. Along with silk production, considerable quantities of by-products such as silkworm litter, frass, defective cocoons, pupae, and reeling residues are generated during the rearing and processing stages. Traditionally these materials are treated as waste, resulting in loss of valuable resources. The present study evaluates the potential of sericulture waste utilization through a waste-to-wealth and zero-waste sericulture approach in the Rohilkhand region up to 2025. The study highlights how rearing waste and reeling residues can be converted into value-added products such as organic manure, livestock feed, and bio-products. The findings indicate that efficient utilization of sericulture by-products can increase farm income by 30–40% while reducing environmental impact in the Ramganga basin. Proper management of sericulture waste can therefore support sustainable sericulture development and strengthen rural livelihoods in Pilibhit and the Rohilkhand region.
Dr. Barkha (2026) studied this question.