Sericulture Farming in Assam: A Source of Livelihood of Rural People

Producing sericulture is an age-old agricultural industry. It entails growing host plants and raising silkworms to create cocoons for obtaining raw silk. Consequently, sericulture offers significant prospects for income and job opportunities mainly for the rural population of Indian states, thus aiding in poverty reduction and generating foreign currency. Numerous business opportunities exist in different sectors of sericulture. India ranks as the second largest producer of silk globally and is also the world's largest consumer, supported by a well-established domestic market. It is notable for generating all four types of silk, namely. Mulberry, Eri, Tasar, and Muga. Upgrading the silk of sericulturists is essential to fully utilize sericulture's capabilities for producing higher quality cocoons and achieving lucrative earnings. This agriculture-based sector has been significantly contributing to job creation and income in the gradually progressing economy of Assam in the North-Eastern region. While all four types of silk are made in Assam, Eri and Muga hold the leading role in the state's sericulture landscape. Generating employment in rural areas has emerged as a primary focus for inclusive development across all developing economies in the post-globalization period. Nonetheless, the expansion of the sericulture sector was not consistently steady throughout the years. Low productivity, price volatility, insufficient markets, inadequate financing, limited transportation and storage options, absence of technology, and conventional industry practices are significant barriers that prevent the industry from reaching its full potential. Thus, this paper aims to explore the extent of job creation and income generation, the trends in silk yarn production, and examine the challenges and opportunities within the sericulture sector in Assam