Sustainable sericulture through solar energy integration

Sericulture, the cultivation of silkworms and associated mulberry leaf production, is highly sensitive to water scarcity, energy access and environmental control due to conventional irrigation and reeling practices. The integration of solar energy technologies into sericulture presents a transformative approach to enhancing sustainability, productivity and economic viability in silk farming. Solar-based technologies offer decentralized and cost-effective solutions to many of the challenges faced by sericulturists, especially in off-grid or low-resource settings. This review focuses on recent innovations in solar drip irrigation for mulberry, solar-powered spinning and reeling machines (e.g. Unnati, Silky Spin, Resham Sutra’s machines), solar/hybrid cold storage units, solar dryers for cocoons, solar-powered leaf cutting machines, IoT-driven environmental monitoring, solar water heating systems for degumming and reeling, and solar tunnel dryers for silkworm pupae. By reducing dependence on conventional energy sources and mitigating environmental impact, solar innovations contribute to cost-effective and eco-friendly sericulture practices. The research highlights successful case studies from rural India, demonstrating improved yield quality, reduced operational costs and increased resilience against climate variability. The findings advocate for broader adoption of solar solutions in sericulture, positioning renewable energy as a catalyst for rural development and green entrepreneurship.