Sericulture: Empowering rural communities, driving economic development and curbing rural-urban migration, as advocated by Dr. Rubia Bukhari

JAMMU: In an era where the rearing of silkworms has become a rare sight, we find ourselves at the precipice of rediscovering the immense value that lies within the realm of sericulture. At its core, the career of a sericulturist involves the delicate art of nurturing silkworms, coaxing from them the finest raw silk and lustrous silk yarns that meet the insatiable demands of the ever-evolving apparel industry.

Silk production, while a tedious endeavor, has been elevated by remarkable advancements in technology. The sericulture industry, with its unwavering dedication, invests relentless effort to meet the growing demands of the fashion world. It is an industry that understands the intricate balance between tradition and progress, blending age-old practices with the efficiency brought forth by innovation.

Nowhere is the transformative power of sericulture more evident than in the stunning region of Jammu and Kashmir, where this ancient craft has become deeply interwoven into the fabric of its culture. Sericulture serves as the backbone of the region's economy, supporting a large chunk of its rural population. With a dynamic history spanning thousands of years, Jammu and Kashmir stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of silk production.

In fact, ancient literature reverberates with evidence that the very origins of silk can be traced back to the enchanting land of Kashmir. While the precise period of the silk industry's introduction in Jammu and Kashmir is a subject of contention, its profound impact on the region's social, economic, and cultural spheres is undeniable.

Today, as we delve into the world of sericulture, let us celebrate the efforts of those who have dedicated their lives to this timeless craft. Let us recognize the immense potential for gainful employment, economic prosperity, and the preservation of cultural heritage that sericulture offers to rural communities. Together, we embark on a journey of discovery, uncovering the vibrant threads that connect tradition, innovation, and the remarkable stories woven into every inch of silk produced through the art of sericulture.

On sericulture, Editor-in-Chief of JK Monitor (www.jkmonitor.org), Ajmer Alam Wani, conducted an exclusive online interview of Dr. Rubia Bukhari, a specialist in Sericulture subject, and here is what she said in details.

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and your expertise in the field of Sericulture?

This is Dr. Rubia Bukhari, resident of District-Poonch, Division Jammu, J&K.I am working as Lecturer, in the Department of Sericulture, Poonch Campus, University of Jammu. I have completed my Ph. D Titled: “Genetic Diversity Analysis of Indigenous Silkworm breeds (Bombyx mori L.) using morphological and molecular markers” under the Guidance of Prof. Dr. R. K. Bali in 2019 from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-JAMMU).

Before pursuing Ph.D, I completed my B.Ed. in 2015, and Masters in Sericulture in 2014 from University of Jammu. My specialization is in Gene manipulation, Silkworm Biotechnology Gene Expression, Gene Characterization, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology techniques, Silkworm Breeding, Genotyping / DNA fingerprinting, ISSR and RAPD genotyping and data analysis, Marker assisted selection, Molecular diagnostics using PCR, QPCR, RT-PCR, cDNA library preparation, Southern Hybridization, Western blotting, Gel Electrophoresis (Agarose as well as SDS Page), Isolation of DNA/RNA from plants and insects, Silkworm Breeding, Experimental designing, Use of statistical tools like SPSS, MS tools, PAST-3 Software, R-Software for biological data analysis, ANOVA, Multivariate data analysis, Regression analysis, Linear modelling. I was awarded with Best Thesis Award and Young Scientist Award in recognition of the consistent superior performance in Sericulture for my doctoral thesis in 2019. I was also awarded Women Researcher Award and Young Emerging Lecturer in 2021.

To my research credits there are about 30 original research publications in reputed / referred national and international journals of India and overseas. I am having teaching experience of over 4 years. I presented my research works in many National / International conferences, seminars and authored 4 books. I have been reviewer and editor of various National and International Journals such as Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies (Associate Editor), International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies (Associate Editor), International Journal of Applied Research (Associate Editor), Acta Entomology and Zoology (Assistant Editor), Indian Journal of Pure & Applied Biosciences (Associate Editor).I am the author of various articles, several Chapters in 5 books. I also write frequently for various books, research papers and chapters.

Besides working as Lecturer in the Department of Sericulture, Poonch Campus, I have been assigned the responsibilities of Campus Officer and In charge of the Department of Sericulture.I oversee all the Campus developmental activities along with publicity and other promotional activities related to the Poonch Campus. I am also appointed as coordinator as per Part 7 of MoU for the effective execution of the MoU signed between Poonch campus and SKC GDC pertaining to awareness generation and Sericulture promotion in twin districts of Jammu and Kashmir i.e., Rajouri and Poonch. Also entrusted task of maintaining liaison with the civil society and other institutions working in collaboration with Poonch Campus.

2. What inspired you to pursue a career in Sericulture?

The reason I opted to Choose Sericulture as my carrier was that, Sericulture provides gainful employment, economic development and improvement in the quality of life to the people in rural area and therefore it plays an important role in anti-poverty programmes and prevents migration of rural people to urban area in search of employment. The rearing of silkworms is a rare sight these days. A Sericulturist career involves the rearing of silkworms to produce raw silk and silk yarns. For meeting the demands of the apparel industry, this industry needs to put in a lot of efforts to produce raw silk. Silk production is quite a tedious effort; however, it has made some of the efficient processes involved with the help of the advancements made in technology. Sericulture is one of the traditional occupations in UT J&K and supports almost 60% of its rural population. This industry has been the back bone of J&K’s economy. Jammu and Kashmir has an exceptionally dynamic history of Sericulture. Over thousands of years, Silk has become an inseparable part of its culture. In fact, there is great deal of evidence in ancient literature that the silk originated in Kashmir. However, the exact period of introduction of silk industry in J&K is contested.

3. What are the key principles and concepts behind Sericulture?

Sericulture is the process of cultivating silkworm and extracting silk from them. The caterpillar of the domestic silkworm is the most commonly used silkworm specie in Sericulture. Sericulture is a very important agro-based rural industry increasing rapidly in India which has the potential to generate high income for small and marginal farmer, provide platform for the women to work from home thus enhancing the Women empowerment.

4. Could you explain the life cycle of a silkworm and the different stages it goes through?

The life cycle of silk moth contains 4 stages,i.e., egg, larva, cocoon, adult. The life cycle of silk moth starts when a female silk moth lays eggs. The caterpillar or larvae are hatched from the eggs of the silk moth. The silkworms feed in mulberry leaves and give rise the pupa. In the pupa stage, a weave is netted around by the silkworm to hold itself. After that it swings its head, spinning a fibre made of a protein and becomes a silk fibre and form cocoon.

After cocoon the pupa form and after few adults the moth emerges from the cocoon and the mating occur between the male and female moth and the same process continues.

5. What are the main species of silkworms used in Sericulture, and what differentiates them?

There are 4 species of silkworm used in Sericulture

1. Mulberry silk: - It is produced by Bombyxmori. It feeds on mulberry leaves, the cocoons produced are with continuous silk filament
2. Eri silk: - The local name Eri derives from its primary host plant "era" (castor). Reared on castor oil plant, produces white or brick red silk, filament is neither continuous nor uniform in thickness
3. Tasar silk: - It occupies 3^rdposition and is produced by Anthereamylitta. The worms are either uni or bivoltine and their cocoons like mulberry silk cocoon can be reeled into raw silk.
4. Muga silk: - It produces golden yellow silk thread. Primary food plantsare SOM and SOALU.

6. How does climate and environmental factors affect Sericulture and silk production?

For the economical growth of the Sericulture industry, quality and quantity of the cocoons and silk play an important role. Proper shape, size and compactness of a cocoon is necessary for filament length as well as the quality of reeled thread. Different characters of silkworm as well as the cocoons are not only influence by the genes but also by the temperature, humidity, air current etc. Quality of the cocoons and silk is highly influenced by ambient temperature, seasons and other environmental conditions. Changes in temperature level affect the quality of the cocoon which result in variation of filament size and quality of reeled thread.

7. What are the main diseases and pests that can affect silkworms, and how can they be managed or prevented?

Bombyx mori L., the silkworm, is primarily susceptible to four diseases: Grasserie, Flacherie, Muscardine, and Pebrine. The typical silkworm crop loss in India is 15-47%, while it is 10-15% in other nations such as Japan, China, and Italy. Flacherie is the leading cause of death in India, accounting for 33.88% of all disorders. In North West India, the incidence of silkworm diseases is higher in the autumn (35-47%) than in the spring (15-20%). In general, bivoltine silkworms are more sensitive to disease than multivoltine silkworms.

Main diseases of silkworm are; 

a.            Grasserie

b.            Flacherie

c.            Muscardine

d.            Pebrine 

Several measures can be used to protect the silkworm form these diseases like by providing requisite spacing, good ventilation, good quality mulberry leaf. Maintain the recommended temperature and humidity and avoid drastic changes in temperature.Practice hygienic measures during silkworm rearing, by picking larvae in the early stage of disease and proper disposal.

Now the pest which affect the silkworm are; 

a.            Uzi fly

b.            Wasp

c.            Red ants

d.            Grasshopper

e.            Beetles etc.

The first and the most important thing we can do to protect silkworm is to create a pest- free environment. This means keeping worms away from any plant that may be infested with pest. Pest can easily travel from the ground to the worm’s colony. A raised platform should be used to keep the worm off from the ground. Pesticides can be used to protect the worms from the pest, ant wells should be used and kept on the base of rearing stand to avoid the movement of ants into the colony.

8. What are the different methods of silk extraction and processing? Are there any emerging technologies in this area?

Sericulture has undergone a major transformation due to emerging technologies in the field of biotechnology leading to the emergence of newer technologies that have the potential to impact the various aspect of silkworm. Technologies such as gene therapy, gene editing, nano- biotechnology, transgenic technology etc. Bio-nanotechnology advancement leads to the production of silk structures that can be used in water filtration devices and the drug delivery.

9. Can you share any recent advancements or breakthroughs in Sericulture that have caught your attention?

Some of the recent policy initiatives taken by the Ministry to promote Sericulture are as follows. Sericulture is included as agriculture allied activity under RKVY. This enables the sericulturists to avail the benefits of the scheme for the entire Sericulture activities up to reeling.

Another one is Holistic Agriculture Development Programmes

• Under the HADP the 29 projects out of which worth for Sericulture is93 crores.
• By Lt. Gov.Shri Manoj Sinha on 21 Dec,2022. 
• Leading luminaries are; Mangla Rai, former DG ICAR as its Chairman and Dr.Ashok Dalwai, CEO NRAA.
• Project name is Technologies interventions to strengthen Sericulture in J&K.

The Major outputs and outcomes

• Doubling of silkworm seeds and cocoon Production and regaining of J&K's glory as a producer of high quality bivoltine silk.
• Planting 10 lac. Mulberry trees and creation of State-of-the-art Automatic Reeling facility.
• Major 4 components to strengthen;

1. Technological interventions
2. Seed production
3. Chawki Rearing centres
4. Market 

• Incentive schemes.
• NABARD scheme.
•  Silk Samagra, Implemented by CSB for Development of Silk Industry, to sustain and strengthen the Sericulture activities in the country.
• Training Programmes.
• Business and Marketing opportunities.

These are some ongoing efforts and initiatives to promote Sericulture.

10. In your opinion, what are the key skills or qualities required for someone to succeed in the field of Sericulture?

I believe that in order to achieve in any endeavour, one needs self-motivation and confidence. Keep honing your talents with the most recent Sericulture technologies to assist everyone flourish in the industry, if I may speak specifically of Sericulture.

In my point of view, one profession with several opportunities in the public and private sectors is Sericulture. Some persons have a unique combination of both abilities and attributes, which enhances their presentation and increases audience engagement.

11. Can you highlight any ongoing efforts or initiatives to promote Sericulture education and awareness among students and farmers?

The Government of India is promoting the Sericulture sector in the country by implementing the following schemes through the Central Silk Board (CSB):

The Central Sector Scheme "Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry" (CSS)

Central Silk Board CSB) has been implementing a rationalized restructured Central Sector Scheme "Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry" for the development of Sericulture in the country, which is an umbrella scheme consisting of the four components for the development of Sericulture and Silk industry. The emphasis is on increasing domestic silk output, quality, and productivity, reducing the country's reliance on imported silk.

1. Research and Development, Training, Technology Transfer, and Information Technology Initiatives.
2. Seed Organizations.
3. Coordination and Market Development, and iv. Quality Certification Systems (QCS)/Export Brand Promotion, and Technology Upgradation.

The above ongoing scheme's components are focusing on intervention in crucial areas such as feed, seed, breeding, post cocoon technology, and capacity building for a demonstrable impact on quality and productivity improvement in the field, guaranteeing that the aim is met.

North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS)

Under “North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme” (NERTPS), 24 Sericulture projects are being implemented under two broad categories viz., Integrated Sericulture Development Project (ISDP) and Intensive Bivoltine Sericulture Development Project [IBSDP] covering Mulberry, Eri and Muga sectors in all North Eastern States. The projects aim at holistic development of Sericulture in all its spheres from plantation development to production of fabrics with value addition at every stage of production chain.

12. What role do you see technology playing in the future of Sericulture, and how do you integrate it into your work?

Sericulture has undergone a significant transition as a result of increasing biotechnology technologies, which have resulted in the introduction of novel technologies with the ability to impact the many areas of silkworm.

Technological innovation has resulted in accomplishment of improving silk quality by controlling environmental parameters along with successful accumulation of cocoons.

In order to increase the land yield and labour productivity mechanization is extremely important.

Technological interventions;

1. Like Automatic Reeling Machine. 
2. Advanced Rearing equipments or Appliances

• Farmers will be trained in using modern technology

13. Are there any challenges or limitations in Sericulture that need to be addressed?

Sericulture is a significant instrument for home business development, job creation, income production, and rural community empowerment. Many countries' domestic industries rely heavily on Sericulture. India and China are the world's biggest silk manufacturers. These two countries' combined silk output accounts for more than 60% of global production.

Silk farmers that practice Sericulture face a number of obstacles that could jeopardise their production. They are also vulnerable to a variety of health risks. Silkworms are susceptible to a number of diseases, including pebrine and flacherie. Several pests also pose a threat to the healthy growing of silkworm larvae. The following are some of the most significant challenges and Limitations in Sericulture are listed below.

1. Inadequate silkworm egg production equipment and technology
2. Inadequate Sericulture technicians
3. Inadequate tools and quality control measures
4. Lack of investment funds
5. A lack of empowerment makes the employee feel demotivated.
6. Inadequate availability of silk processing technology
7. The pebrine illness can infect eggs, causing them to die before the larvae develop. This disease causes black patches on the larvae and causes them to become lethargic.
8. Viral infections in larvae may cause their bodies to shrink. • Other viral diseases, such as cytoplasmic polyhedrosis, can also cause the larvae to lose their appetite.
9. Fungi-caused muscardine infection can cause larvae to become exceedingly weak and eventually die.
10. Dermestid beetle larvae notepad
11. Can dig into silkworm cocoons and consume the pupae.
12. Some mites create a toxic chemical that kills silkworms, making it impossible to reel silk from damaged cocoons.

14. Can you discuss any specific challenges or opportunities unique to the Sericulture industry in the Poonch region?

Sericulture as an industrial sector has been a component of the backbone of Jammu & Kashmir state economy, carrying itself, a rich history. At Poonch the prevailing climate and availability of skilled labour in the valley of Kashmir are the favourable factors existing for silk production. There are 2,800 villages and 33,000 households which have taken up Sericulture as an important economic activity. In UT Jammu and Kashmir, there are about 7 lakh mulberry trees, out of which 53 per cent (370,000) are in Jammu division and 47 per cent in Kashmir division.

Annually, about 1022 MT of cocoon are produced generating an income of about Rs. 2224 lakh for these silkworm rearers coupled with the annual employment generation to the tune of 3.5 lakh mandays (3.0 lakh on-farm and 0.50 lakh off-farm).

The department has 173 mulberry nurseries spread over an area of 963 acres, and 374 mulberry blocks over an area of 2215 acres across the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Annually, about 6,680 quintals of raw silk is produced which is approximately worth Rs. 50 crores or 50 million. However, it is high time to notice that silk production in Jammu & Kashmir particularly in Poonch District has declined considerably over the past few decades.

The specific challenges faced were shortage of irrigation water, lack of labours, insufficiency of capital, high cost of chemical fertilizer, lack of knowledge about of bio-fertilizers, lack of information about application of VAM, lack of information about concentration of the bed disinfectant and rearing house disinfectant, whereas suggestions were like fertilizers should be provided at subsidized rates, chemical fertilizers and other required chemicals should be made timely available, knowledge should be providing regarding use of bio-fertilizer and VAM and in time credits at lower interest rates should be provided.Sericulture uses various techniques which can be harmful to farmers, one by-product which is released during the rearing process is carbon monoxide that can cause skin allergies, irritation and respiratory problems. Most of these farms run in rural areas where no strict rules for hygienic farming are followed.

15. What are your future goals and aspirations in the field of Sericulture, and how do you plan to contribute to its growth and development?

Very good question put forth by you, when it comes to contributing in growth and development of Sericulture, I think awareness among the common people especially farmers who are the backbone of the Sericulture is very important. Through education I will like to aware those who are interested to opt Sericulture as their carrier. I can aware them of the latest techniques being adopted in the field of Sericulture.    

When it comes to future goals and aspirations in the field of Sericulture, as per the “Market Overview”, The Indian Sericulture market size reached INR 451.6 Billion in 2022. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach INR 1,194.5 Billion by 2028, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 17.7% during 2023-2028. The Indian Sericulture market size reached INR 451.6 Billion in 2022. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach INR 1,194.5 Billion by 2028, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 17.7% during 2023-2028. India is having the tremendous potential for silk production. Domestic and international market is considerably higher in its perspectives. Foreign exchange value is also good. More employment opportunities are available in modern time for rural women and also rural men.

Loans and Subsidies for Sericulture Farming in India. NABARD helps the farmers by providing loans and subsidies to boost up the Sericulture industry. But it requires few detailing and eligibility to provide the specific loans. Banks will be having all the details regarding the NABARD loans and subsidies for Sericulture

16. Can you discuss any collaborations or partnerships you have had with other institutions or organizations in the field of Sericulture?

Yes, I am happy to share this news with you that Poonch Campus has Signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SKC Government Degree College Poonch to promote and aware the students of both the educational Institutions besides farmers who has taken up Sericulture as their sources of Income. Being the Coordinator of the MoU Poonch Campus, I along with MoU Coordinator SKC GDC Poonch have taken up many initiatives / Programmmes to aware the farmers about the latest techniques being used in the field of Sericulture. We have also prepared an “Annual Academic Calendar 2023-24”. According to that Calendar activities pertaining to Students, Farmers and Faculty will be carried throughout the year. Besides this we have signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI). Recently an awareness programme was organized mutually by Poonch Campus and JKEDI Poonch to impart training to the students of the Department of Sericulture of Poonch Campus and SKC GDC Poonch so that they can start their own venture after the completion of their course. As per the MoU both Poonch Campus and JKEDI have to focus their efforts on cooperation within the area of Entrepreneurship and Skill based Training, Education and Research.

17. Could you discuss the economic importance of Sericulture and its contribution to rural development?

Sericulture has emerged as the most important cash crop due to its minimal investment, short gestation period, great employment potential, and high return. Thus, one of its key potentials is the generation of income, particularly for rural people. Sericulture is appropriate for all segments of society, including large farmers and landless elderly people, regardless of gender. It uses simple technology that is straightforward to learn and apply. Thus, Sericulture has generated downstream employment and income in rural and semi-urban areas, with a high participation rate for low-income and socially disadvantaged populations.

Cultivation of mulberry, silkworm rearing and post cocoon activities leading to production of silk yarn. Sericulture provides gainful employment, economic development and improvement in the quality of life to the people in rural area mostly women and therefore it plays an important role in anti-poverty programmes and prevents migration of rural people to urban area in search of employment. It provides employment to the people in rural area.

18. What are the potential applications of silk beyond textile production? Are there any ongoing research or innovations in this regard?

After all, silk is a protein, just like collagen, keratin, and elastin, which are all significant components of human skin, hair, and connective tissues. Silk is a twin thread of the protein fibroin coated with a sticky film of sericin: a protein that resists oxidation, is anti-bacterial, and is UV-resistant. Silk is also finer and stronger than Kevlar, a synthetic, heat-resistant fibre invented by Stephanie Kwolek at DuPont in 1965 and used for bulletproof clothing since the 1980s (though similar garments are now referred to as "bullet-resistant").

Fibroin has been used in textile manufacturing and for several biomaterial applications, whereas sericin is considered a waste material in the textile industry. Sericin has recently been found to activate the proliferation of several cell-lines and has also shown various biological activities. Sericin can form a gel by itself; however, after mixing with other polymers and cross-linking it can form a film or a scaffold with good characteristics that can be used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Sericin is proven to cause no immunological responses, which has resulted in a more acceptable material for biological applications.

19. How does Sericulture contribute to sustainable and eco-friendly practices?

The Sericulture industry supports jobs, economic development and health and begins with cultivation of mulberry trees with their manifold uses, including production of leaves as food for silkworms. Sericulture culminates in the production of high-quality silk thread as well as high-protein food for humans and animals. It depends, in turn, on one of the most versatile plants known, with additional benefits ranging from enhancing human health to soil conservation. Sericulture represents a rare end-to-end sustainable industry with minimal ecological impact when care is taken with supply chain management. Silk itself is a naturally versatile polymer, known as poly-fibroin, with the versatility of plastic and the advantage of biodegradability. With new developments in (bio)-harvesting technology, markets can now gain access to the single protein monomer, silk fibroin, solubilized in water, at large production scales. We can therefore envision a sustainable silk-derivatives industry that supports the replacement of petrochemicals with compounds derived from fibroin, in applications ranging from common everyday health and wellness products to advanced biopharmaceuticals and implants.

Following explanation will give you more idea as to how it is eco-friendly:

1. Due to its good foliage and good root-spread it helps in the conservation of soil and thus provides a green environment.
2. Waste from silkworm rearing can be used in our garden.
3. It reduces the pressure on vegetation and forest as its dried twigs are used as a fuel.
4. The use of smoke-emitting machinery is minimal as it is more of a labor-intensive work and agro-based activity.
5. The plantation of mulberry is mainly done in the upland areas and thus the un-used cultivable land is used.
6. Along with Mulberry cultivation various other crops can also be planted.
7. Mulberry and tasar plants can be raised in vacant lands, hill slopes and watershed areas as these are deep rooted plants.

20. Are there any regional variations in Sericulture practices and silk production? If so, what are the main differences?

Yes, there are regional variations in Sericulture practices and silk production. As we know our Jammu and Kashmir is located in North Western Himalayas and rich in biodiversity with 3 major climatic zones

Temperate zone

Sub-tropical zone

And we talk about the whole of India there is an addition of a tropical zone.

All of these zones with different climatic conditions differ from one another in Sericulture practices.

In the temperate zone like Kashmir, we rear our Uni-voltine races of silkworm example Kashmiri race which is now extinct. Which produce the silk standard of International markets.

In sub-tropical zones like Udhampur we rear bivoltine races of silkworms and their hybrids exampleNB₄D₂ and SH₆ which also produce good quality silk.

In tropical zones like Bangalore, we rear multivoltine races of silkworm’s examplePure Mysore, C. Nichi not produce so good quality of silk but these tropical zones modify their Sericulture practices by adopting Bivoltine× Multivoltine hybrids to increase silk production in country from late 20^th century.

All of these zones produce different types of silk both in quality and quantity.

Temperate zones: less production but quality is superior

Sub-tropical zones: comparatively more production but quality is slightly inferior compared to silk produced in the temperate zone.

Tropical zones: production is high as compared to both temperate and sub-tropical zones but quality is inferior as compared to both temperate zone and sub-tropical zones.

21. What are the current trends and advancements in the Sericulture industry?

•  Advancements in the Sericulture Industry

The Chinese scientists have developed hybrid varieties using European and Japanese silkworm varieties which make it possible to rear silkworm upto 7 times in a year.

• Trends in the Sericulture Industry

Sericulture has undergone a major transformation due to emerging technology leading to the emergence of newer technologies that have the potential to impact the various aspects of silkworm. Technologies Such as genetherapy, gene editing, nano-biotechnology, transgenic technology.

22. How important is research and development in Sericulture? Can you provide examples of recent breakthroughs or discoveries in the field?

Yes, research and development are important in every field so as in Sericulture. Research and development are necessary by which we can produce new hybrids and varieties of silkworm and mulberry respectively.

Like disease and pest resistance, stress tolerance (both biotic -abiotic), better or high yield varieties.

Latest Discoveries: -

Identified 7 powders mildew resistant.

Progenies from S1 × Vietnam 2 Population.

Evaluation of performance of bivoltine hybrid TT-21 ×TT-56 under different agro-climatic condition is under progress and given promising results.

23. What is your perspective on the future of Sericulture? Do you foresee any major changes or developments?

In my point of view future of Sericulture depends on the research and development in the field and it positive use to provide new skills to our farmers. Who are the major stakeholders associated with Sericulture. So, that our Sericulture industry may flourish.

Yes, I foresee development in the Sericulture industry. If government provide awareness among peoples who are jobless. So, that they, utilize Sericulture as an occupation but it is impossible without the use of students who have studied Sericulture and are jobless. But have skills and knowledge and wastes an opportunity to serve in the silk industry.

24. How can aspiring sericulturists or individuals interested in the field get involved or start their own Sericulture projects?

Aspiring sericulturists or individuals interested in the field may get involved in this field as a teacher, as Sericulture Assistant, as a scientist, and in various other government occupations.

Interested candidates may get involved in the field or start their own business as an entrepreneur for which the government provided various subsidies and loans from NABARD and other agricultural banks and NGO's.

25. Are there any specific educational or training programs available for those interested in pursuing a career in Sericulture?

One profession with several opportunities in the public and private sectors is Sericulture. The career options in this industry are endless because silk clothing is constantly produced, manufactured, and sold.

The only programmes that qualify students to become sericulturists are the BSc Sericulture, MSc Sericulture, and PhD Sericulture. To become a sericulturist, candidates can also enroll in agriculture courses. Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Kakatiya University, Bangalore University, Mysore University, and even University of Jammu are top institutions to pursue a career as a sericulturist.

The Central Silk Board, Central Sericulture Research, and Training, among other major hiring organisations for sericulturists.

And of course in J and K there are many educational institutes which are providing degrees in this subject but they are very few as B.Sc., B.Sc. (hons), M.Sc., P.hd such as University of Jammu especially two colleges. G.D.C Udhampur and G.D.C Poonch, M.Sc. in Poonch Campus University of Jammu, SKUAST-Jammu and SKUAST-Kashmir.

Besides these courses CSB is also providing P.G Diploma in Sericulture, other various training programmes of 1 year, 2 year and also in 6 months for farmers and students.

26. Can you share any memorable experiences or success stories from your own Sericulture projects or research endeavors?

I successfully extracted the silkworm DNA from whole Silkworm by developing modified version of the existing protocol.The modified technique was the best according to the available resources and lab infrastructure. 20 breeds were selected for this research which I myself reared in the Department of Sericulture and later preserved for them the research. Thereafter I performed the DNA fingerprinting to access the genetic diversity of the selected 20 breeds. The comparative analysis of both morphological and molecular characterization revealed that some parental combinations could be used for developing high yielding sustainable and productive hybrids for commercial utilization.

My Ph.D research happens to be the first one focusing on the comparative analysis of morphological and molecular characterization of various silkworm breeds in SKUAST-JAMMU and Jammu division. It deals with the assessment of genetic diversity in various silkworm breeds through SSR microsatellite markers. This study helped in the identification of genetically more diverse breeds and less diverse breeds that could be further utilized for breeding and research. It leads to effective selection as the genetically less diverse breeds are of no or little value in the breeding and crop improvement. The selected breed combinations could be used in future for developing high yielding sustainable and productive hybrids for commercial utilization. Hence, it saved the unnecessary expenditure on research and breeding.              

27. Lastly, is there any advice or message you would like to share with our audience about the significance of Sericulture and its potential impact on society?

Every year, 60–70 lakh individuals in rural India are employed by farm and non-farm businesses. The possibility of transferring wealth from wealthy and urban buyers to farmers and artisan groups exists in Sericulture. Sericulture, an important sector in rural transformation, effortlessly addresses the issues of rural employment generation and inclusive development. Women perform 60% of the labour in Sericulture, and Sericulture is essential to the empowerment of rural women. Sericulture is the mainstay and means of subsistence for small, marginal farmers, weaker segments of society, and traditional source of livelihood in numerous parts of the State. Sericulture has proven effective in ending rural poverty and has led to social and economic growth, primarily in rural regions.

As, you all know Indians govt. is showing rapid decline in providing govt. jobs to the educational youth.

At the same time Sericulture being cottage-based industry & skill-based industry could provide opportunities to become self-dependent and self-employed. Women empowerment is necessary nowadays. So, women can take their interest in this field and take it as occupations & generate their own income source being independent of men.Sericulture industry is already providing health insurance to women. I belong to rural background and my experience suggests Sericulture as an ideal industry suitable for enrichment of economic status of rural farming community and eradicate the problem of unemployment to the educated youth.