Innovative utilization and management of Eri-Culture waste for sustainable developement

The Rapid expansion of Eri-culture (Samia ricini Donovan) in India has generated substantial amounts of organic waste, including frass, cocoon remnants, pupae, and plant residues, which are traditionally disposed of through environmentally harmful methods. This comprehensive review examines innovative utilization and management strategies for Eri-culture waste to promote sustainable development and enhance economic viability. The study analyzes various waste streams, revealing that frass constitutes 60-65% of total waste generated, containing valuable nutrients (2.5-3.2% nitrogen, 1.8-2.1% phosphorus, 2.2-2.8% potassium) suitable for organic fertilizer production. Innovative valorization strategies include vermicomposting, which reduces processing time by 30-40% while producing nutrient-rich compost, and biogas production yielding 0.35-0.42 m³ biogas per kg of dry matter with 55-62% methane content. The high protein content (50-60%) of spent pupae presents opportunities for animal feed formulation, successfully replacing 15-20% of conventional protein sources in poultry diets. Advanced biotechnological applications include extraction of bioactive compounds such as sericin and fibroin for pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, demonstrating antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Economic analysis reveals potential revenue generation of ₹8-12 per kg of processed waste through organic fertilizer production, while integrated waste management systems can reduce carbon footprint by 25-30%. However, challenges include limited processing technology accessibility, economic constraints, and inadequate policy support. Future research directions emphasize developing cost-effective processing technologies, integrated bio-refinery concepts, and advanced biotechnological applications. The systematic implementation of these innovative strategies can transform. Eri-culture waste from an environmental burden into a valuable resource, supporting sustainable development goals while enhancing farmer incomes and promoting circular economy principles in the sericulture sector.