Exploring the Impact of Cooler Zones to Enhance Seed Support for Muga (Antheraea assamensis Helfer) Cultivation

Abstract

To ensure a continuous supply of Disease Free Layings (DFLs) of Muga silk and meet the annual demand of approximately 325-350 lakh DFLs, a seed linkage program has been initiated in the cooler regions of Kalimpong, West Bengal. This initiative aims to provide basic Muga seeds for the traditional rearing regions of the North-East during challenging climatic conditions, particularly during the Aherua (June-July) and Bhodia (August-September) seasons. The rearing and grainage performance in Kalimpong has been analysed based on key economic factors such as DFL to cocoon ratio, hatching percentage, larval weight, cocoon weight, shell weight, and silk ratio. This study indicates that rearing of Antheraea assamensis Helfer in the cooler zones of Kalimpong showcases improved performance, particularly during unfavourable seasons. As reported by Guha et al. (2019), climate change has led to increased temperature gradients that adversely affect muga silkworm rearing. Additionally, significant fluctuations in relative humidity (above 86%) and temperatures exceeding 32-37°C have consistently resulted in crop losses, particularly between June and September, which is crucial for basic seed production (t=13.74, P<0.00001). The findings of the present study highlight the essential role of cooler zones in supporting muga silk cultivation and stabilising seed production systems. Given the strong dependence of muga silkworm biology on environmental parameters, the integration of cooler regions such as Kalimpong into the seed linkage network emerges as a viable climate-adaptive strategy for ensuring the resilience and continuity of muga sericulture.