Question

Define Sericulture.

Hint:

Note: India is the second-largest producer of silk in the world after China.

Answer 1

Rearing silkworms to produce silk is known as sericulture. This process includes growing host plants such as mulberry, raising robust silkworms, and collecting silk cocoons. Silkworms primarily consume mulberry leaves and construct cocoons from raw silk fiber during their pupal phase. Farmers gather these cocoons and process them to extract silk threads, which are subsequently spun and woven into silk fabric. Sericulture is a significant rural agro-industry, offering employment and income to numerous farming families, particularly in nations like India and China. The industry bolsters both agricultural and cottage sectors, thereby fostering rural development and boosting exports.