Sericulture as A Tool for Rural Development and Women Empowerment

Abstract

Sericulture, the cultivation of silkworms for silk production, is a labour-intensive agro-based industry with immense potential for rural development and women empowerment in India. The country ranks second globally in silk production, with sericulture practiced across more than 52,000 villages and providing livelihood support to approximately 9 million people. Beyond its economic contribution, sericulture serves as a livelihood strategy for small and marginal farmers, landless labourers and rural women, offering flexible, home-based employment. Women’s participation rates in India are notably high, ranging from 60-70% with their involvement covering every stage of production from mulberry cultivation to reeling and weaving. The Government of India, through the Central Silk Board and various state-level agencies has implemented schemes such as the Catalytic Development Programme and Silk Samagra to address these issues and enhance the sector’s competitiveness. This review presents literature on the socio-economic impacts of sericulture in India, examining its role in employment generation, income diversification and women empowerment. Case studies from sericulture-dominant states such as Karnataka, Assam and West Bengal illustrate how sericulture interventions have improved household incomes, enhanced women’s decision-making roles and contributed to community development. The review also addresses challenges, including fluctuating market prices, limited access to quality inputs and climate-induced risks. Recommendations emphasize capacity building, technology dissemination and strengthened cooperative structures to maximize sericulture’s developmental role. The review concludes that sericulture, when supported by targeted policies and gender sensitive programs, can significantly contribute to sustainable rural livelihoods and the advancement of women’s socio-economic status in silk-producing regions of India.