What is sericulture? Write a brief note about different silkworms reared in India, nature of cocoons, geographical distribution and their host plants? (12 MARKS) (GS3 – KAS MAINS 2015)
Sericulture is the practice of breeding and raising silkworms for the production of silk. It involves the cultivation of silkworms and the processing of their cocoons to extract silk fibers, which are then spun into threads and fabrics. Sericulture is an important economic activity in many parts of the world, including India, which is one of the leading producers of silk.
Silkworms Reared in India
India is home to several species of silkworms, each contributing to the production of different types of silk. The primary silkworm species reared in India are:
Bombyx mori (Mulberry Silkworm)
Cocoons: Produce the most widely used type of silk, known as mulberry silk. The cocoons are white to yellowish and are generally soft and smooth.
Geographical Distribution: Predominantly reared in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Host Plants: Feed exclusively on mulberry leaves (Morus alba).
Antheraea mylitta (Tasar Silkworm)
Cocoons: Produce tasar silk, which is typically brownish and has a coarser texture compared to mulberry silk. The cocoons are usually golden-brown or yellowish.
Geographical Distribution: Mainly found in Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Chhattisgarh and West Bengal.
Host Plants: Feed on a variety of trees including Terminalia arjuna, Anogeissus latifolia, and Shorea robusta.
Antheraea paphia (Muga Silkworm)
Cocoons: Produce muga silk, which is golden-yellow in color and has a natural sheen. The cocoons are typically golden-brown to yellow.
Geographical Distribution: Primarily reared in Assam and parts of northeastern India.
Host Plants: Feed on Som (or Machilus bombycina) and Saal (Shorea robusta).
Attacus atlas (Eri Silkworm)
Cocoons: Produce eri silk, also known as endi or erri silk, which is typically creamy white and has a coarse texture. The cocoons are usually grayish or light brown.
Geographical Distribution: Commonly reared in Assam, Meghalaya, and parts of Tripura and Manipur.
Host Plants: Feed on castor plants (Ricinus communis), Jute (Corchorus capsularis), and Ailanthus (Ailanthus excelsa).
Nature of Cocoons
Mulberry Silk (Bombyx mori): Smooth, fine, and lustrous; often used in high-quality fabrics such as sarees and garments.
Tasar Silk (Antheraea mylitta): Coarser, with a natural gold or brown color; used in a variety of traditional garments and textiles.
Muga Silk (Antheraea paphia): Golden-yellow with a natural sheen; prized for its durability and unique color, used in traditional Assamese textiles.
Eri Silk (Attacus atlas): Coarser and more rugged; valued for its warmth and comfort, often used in shawls and blankets.
Geographical Distribution and Host Plants
Bombyx mori (Mulberry Silkworm): Widely distributed across southern and southeastern India, particularly in states with significant mulberry cultivation.
Antheraea mylitta (Tasar Silkworm): Found in the wild and cultivated areas of central and eastern India where the host plants thrive.
Antheraea paphia (Muga Silkworm): Restricted to the northeastern states of India where the specific host plants are available.
Attacus atlas (Eri Silkworm): Found in the northeastern states of India, where castor and other host plants are cultivated.
In summary, sericulture is a vital industry in India, involving the cultivation of different silkworm species, each producing unique types of silk. The distribution and host plants of these silkworms vary according to the species, contributing to the rich diversity of silk products in the Indian textile industry.
