Waste to Wealth: Repurposing the Sericulture Wastes as Agricultural Inputs

Sericulture generates substantial quantities of organic and industrial wastes across mulberry cultivation, silkworm rearing, and silk processing stages, posing environmental and health challenges when improperly managed. This review critically examines the potential of sericulture by-products, including silkworm litter, pupae, defective cocoons, and reeling wastes, for value-added applications in agriculture and allied sectors. Key utilization pathways such as vermicomposting, biofertilizer production, animal feed supplementation, mushroom cultivation, biogas generation, and industrial applications are discussed based on their nutrient composition and functional properties. The review highlights that sericulture waste is a nutrient-rich resource capable of enhancing soil fertility, supporting sustainable agriculture, and contributing to circular bioeconomy models. However, several constraints, including lack of standardization, limited large-scale validation, potential toxicity issues, and low farmer awareness, restrict its widespread adoption. Future research should emphasize developing scalable technologies, ensuring safety and quality standards, and strengthening policy and extension frameworks. Effective utilization of sericulture waste can significantly improve environmental sustainability and generate additional income opportunities for farmers.