JOIN USNew technology to revive sericulture in Chamarajanagar
The recently introduced drum-kit technology for mulberry cultivation is expected to revive the sericulture sector in the district.
Earlier, mulberry was cultivated in around 30,000 hectares of farmlands in the district. Following failure of rains and reduction in import duty on silk from China, the area under cultivation in the district has reduced to 2,082 hectares, involving 3,411 farmers.
In view of encouraging sericulture, the Regional Silk Research Centre, here, has introduced the new technology on 100 hectares and is spending Rs 40,000 on one acre of land. The centre is providing the drum of the capacity of 1,000 litres, drip irrigation equipment, and 650 saplings for every acre.
K Srikantaswamy, Joint Director of the centre, said, the technology is useful for drylands and the saplings should be supplied two to 2.5 litres of water on alternate days, through drip irrigation, using the technology. “The dependence on labourers for watering can be reduced by using the technology.
A farmer can culture silk worms at least five times a year as he gets continuous supply of mulberry leaves.
As the import duty on silk has been increased again, Indian silk is expected to regain its market,” he said.
He said, S 13 and RC 2 breeds of mulberry are suitable for the district and this year a target has been set to produce 357 tonnes of silk cocoons.
The joint director said, the technology was introduced for the first time in the district and it has been extended to Mysuru recently.