Dairy farming and sericulture are the most popular occupations in Kolar district and the farmers of Kolar district are totally dependent on these two occupations. The progress and development of Kolar district is totally dependent on these two occupations.

Both dairy farming and sericulture go hand in hand here and the silk produced in Kolar is very famous. It is the lifeline of the farmers residing here. One of the most highly drought-prone areas in the State, had it not been for these two occupations, the people here would have perished very long ago. Or else, most of them would  have migrated to other places. But today, thanks to borewells, they can still survive with the help of sericulture.

As many as 56,000 farmers in Kolar district are dependent on sericulture and mulberries are cultivated in about 35,000 hectares of area. And an annual business of almost Rs 2 crore takes place. The farmers put a lot of efforts in the mulberry cultivation. If the cultivation is good, they are a happy lot. If there is no cultivation, then their calculations go haywire.

No recognition

Women have taken more interest in sericulture, than men. But, unfortunately, the women are no where in the picture in the final consideration. According to progressive thinkers, if these women are given proper training and guidance, then they will be able to bring in more prosperity in the field of agriculture.

Almost all the works, right from the beginning, including cultivation of the mulberries, creating silkworm houses, collection of cocoons, etc, are undertaken by the women folk. However, when it comes to marketing the silk, it is man’s world. The women are not rewarded a single paise out of the entire business. In a way, though these women put in a lot of efforts, in the end, they are kept away from the profits of the profession, thus there women are a neglected lot in this aspect.

Technical advises are being offered to these women, with regards to sericulture, by the Sericulture Department. However, it is alleged that the small and very small farmers are neglected in this matter. It was inevitable for everyone to receive good suggestions, advises, guidance and training from the experts.

And even when these things are imparted, the women should be benefited the most. Because, only they seem to be working right from the first stage. And these women received technical guidance, then they will be able to achieve good standards in the field of sericulture. This would also give them a boost to involve themselves more and proper in the activities.

Sub-standard quality

In most of the cases, there were instances of all the silkworms dying, due to sub-standard quality of pesticides being sprayed on the silkworms. In this backdrop, the Sericulture Department should take stringent measures and initiate action against those who are selling sub-standard quality of pesticides. They should register cases against such sellers and save the innocent farmers from such plight. So that the farmers will not be deceived and face a loss.

In most of the taluk centres, there are silk cocoon markets. The chief ones are the Kolar and Shidlaghatta markets, which have been started by the sericulture farmers. Apart from this, the farmers also visit Ramanagar and Bangalore silk cocoon markets.

Cheating cases

Even in the cocoon markets, there are instances of deceiving and cheating to the farmers. The bid begins from a minimum of 10 paise. However, the Raitha Sanghas have been urging for an increase upto 1 rupee.
And some times, all the middlemen gather together and bid for even a lesser price also.

Also, there will be cheating in the weighing also. And in this, the officials in the market will also be involved in it.
With this, the farmers are met with a systematic procedure wherein cheating and deceiving are the order of the day.

The sericulture farmers and the members of the Raitha Sangha have been demanding for the cleansing of the entire system.

However, the officials of the Sericulture Department are giving a deaf ear to these pleas of the farmers.