The Hindu : New silkworm rearing, a money-spinner in Harur

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Apr 03, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

New silkworm rearing, a money-spinner in Harur

By S. Prasad

DHARMAPURI, APRIL 2. Silk is normally identified with women. Not necessarily. Harur shows the way, with men self-help groups (SHGs) in association with Farmers Sericulture Quality Clubs taking up mulberry farming and silkworm rearing with the latest innovations on a large scale. These SHGs comprising about 29 members have taken up the JAICA (Japanese International Cooperative Agency) method of silkworm rearing and mulberry cultivation in collaboration with the Central Silk Board and the Tamil Nadu Government Sericulture department. The activity has become a money-spinner.

The Government Sericulture Training School at Hosur provided training to the farmers. Training in maintenance of accounts, expenditure and group concept was provided by Indian Bank and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

Sericulture is one of the main activities in the district, which has been experiencing problems of continuous drought and inadequate infrastructure. Farmers were the worst-affected. The yield was low and income reduced. To overcome the problem, the JAICA scheme was launched in coordination with Japanese experts. Potential agriculturists will promote sericulture, formed themselves into groups (Farmers Sericulture Quality Clubs) which function as SHGs.

By the earlier method, round trays of bamboo were used for laying the eggs. Dwelling and rearing were done in the same place and not as per the norms specified. Irrigation was flooded to the crop; labour was intensive and there was a fear of contamination. But in the JAICA method separate rooms were created for dwelling and rearing. Efficient use of water and drip irrigation was an added advantage.

According to Sericulture department sources, "In comparison with the earlier method of silkworm rearing, the JAICA method is not labour-intensive, eliminates all diseases and farmers get an increase in yield of 70 per cent, up from 45 per cent before."

According to S. Tamizhalagan, a group member, "The new technology is highly beneficial during drought, providing increased yield and ensuring efficient use of water and production of quality leaves."

Loans are provided by Indian Bank for construction of sheds, rearing equipment, drip irrigation for mulberry cultivation and micro sprinklers for shed cooling. The bank has sanctioned a sum of Rs. 3 lakhs under the group concept (SHGs) towards working capital.

According to bank sources, "The purpose of group formation is for easy monitoring and smooth flow of funds based on requirements."

Members of all groups conduct meetings periodically and share their experiences with farmers of other groups. Group members feel that if the target is achieved immediate needs such as construction of a school compound and laying of roads will be fulfilled.

These farmers also provide on the job training to non-traditional farmers from Villupuram and Cuddalore districts. High yield and a better price have created more sources of marketing, say the group members.

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