Sericulture

Sericulture is the practice of Silk production through the rearing of Silkworms, primarily the Bombyx mori species. India has a rich tradition of sericulture with several states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and TamilNadu being prominent silk producers. This industry involves the cultivation of mulberry trees, feeding silkworms with mulberry leaves, and harvesting cocoons for silk thread extraction. Indian silk, particularly from regions like Mysore and Kanchipuram, is renowned for its quality and is a significant contributor to the country's textile and export industry.

What is Sericulture? Sericulture is also known as Silk farming. It is the practice of rearing silkworms, particularly the Bombyx mori species, to produce silk. It involves a series of processes, including the cultivation of mulberry trees for feeding the silkworms. This careful nurturing of silkworms as they spin cocoons and the harvesting of these cocoons to extract silk threads. These threads are turned into various silk fabrics and even products. Sericulture is a diversified culture in India and is a significant industry in many countries. It is known for its contribution to the textile and fashion sectors due to the high-quality silk it produces. So let's take a look at the further details mentioned below...

Types of Courses:  Certificate, UG, PG & Doctoral level.

Courses Availability:

❖ Certificate/ Diploma in Sericulture

❖ B.Sc. in Sericulture

❖ M.Sc. in Sericulture

❖ M. Phill. in Sericulture

❖ Ph.D. in Sericulture.

Eligibility criteria:

Certificate: A candidate must have passed the 10th standard or equivalent along with basic knowledge of Sericulture. This course duration is 6 months.

Diploma: A candidate needs to pass 10+2 in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) as a main subject from a recognized board/ university is required. This course duration is 1 year.

UG: He/ She must have passed 10+2 with PCB as a main subject from a recognized board/ university is required. This course duration is 3 years.

PG: A candidate must have completed their B.Sc. in Sericulture/ Horticulture/ Agriculture or Degree from a recognized university/ board is required.  This course duration is 2 years.

Ph.D.: He/ She must have an M.Sc. degree in sericutlure is required. This course duration is 3 years.

Entrance exams: ICAR AIEEA exam.

Sericulture Fee: Average of INR. 10,000 to INR. 35,000 per year (B.Sc in Sericulture).

How to get in that career? To pursue a degree in Sericulture, you need to have a 10+2 with Science subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Agriculture and are eligible for Sericulture courses. Sericulture courses may include theoretical knowledge as well as practical training in silk production techniques. Seek internships or practical training opportunities during your course to gain some hands-on experience in Sericulture. Networking will help you access job opportunities easily, and stay updated with regular industry trends. After completing your sericulture course, you can explore various career sectors, like Silk production, Research and Development. Those job roles involve government agencies, private companies and research institutions etc.
If you can start your own sericulture venture, such as a silk farm or a silk product manufacturing unit. This may leverage your knowledge and skills gained from the course.
Staying updated with the latest developments in Sericulture through workshops, seminars and continuing education programs will be success in this field.

Skills Required:

❖ Physical and Mental ability

❖ Good Eyesight

❖ Attention to detail

❖ Patience

❖ Stamina to work for long hours

❖ Hand Steadiness

❖ Dexterity and more.

Top Institutes:

❖ Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur - Various Agricultural courses, including sericulture

❖ Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) - Hyderabad, Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute (CSRTI), Mysore

❖ Karnataka State Sericulture Research and Development Institute (KSSRDI) - Bangalore, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) - Coimbatore

❖ Bihar Agricultural University - Sabour

❖ Sher- e- Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) - Jammu and Kashmir

❖ Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat and more.

Top Sectors:

❖ Sericulture

❖ Research Institutes

❖ Academic Institutes

❖ Private Firms

❖ Agriculture sector

❖ NGOs

❖ State Government Organization

❖ Central Government Organization more.
        
Job Roles with their salaries:

❖ Sericulturist - upto INR. 3 Lakhs per annum

❖ Sericulture Assistant - INR. 2.3 Lakhs per year

❖ Professor

❖ Researcher

❖ Field Officer

❖ Sericulture Instructor

❖ Manager

How was career? 

India has a thriving silk industry and the demand for silk products is mainly textiles and garments. This provides a stable job market for Sericulture professionals or sericulturists. This career offers a wide range of opportunities, like, Silk farming, Research and Development, Silk product manufacturing and Quality control etc. If you want to establish your own Sericulture firm, you can also get government subsidies, grants and schemes to promote Sericulture and make it an attractive income. Apart from this, India's rich cultural heritage and tradition of silk weaving and craftsmanship offer better opportunities for skilled artisans and designers to showcase their skills. Indian silk is in demand so globally and so widely, so for this cause,, Sericulture professionals may find great export opportunities and also international collaborations. In wanting to become a sericulture expert, the need to gain some specialized knowledge and skills is an essential factor. The silk industry can be competitive with established companies and firms. Starting a new Sericulture venture may require substantial investment and effort will be success in this field. 

Top recruiting companies:

❖ Andhra Pradesh Department of Sericulture

❖ Central Silk Board

❖ Central Sericultural Research and Training

❖ Handloom, Handicrafts, Textile and Khadi Departments and more.

Conclusion: A career in Sericulture in India offers special opportunities in a growing silk industry, along with prospects in Farming, Research and Design etc. However, it requires specialized skills, accepts seasonal challenges and offers varied income levels, gets good hands-on experience in Sericulture firms and Research institutes. These factors with long time prodcutivity will cause success in this particular field. Keep on updated with Sericulture industry trends and developments will be make on better achievements.