Sericulture in Kerala
Sericulture is a non traditional activity in Kerala promoted by the State government. Sericulture scheme is implemented by Rural Development Department. The productive acreage was 555 acres up to 2001-2002 and during the X plan period it increased to 3351 acres. Cocoon production increased from 31 MT during 1995-96 to 101 MT in 2006-2007, the highest in the sericulture history of the state. However, it is doubtful whether the State received due recognition for this accomplishment, being a 100% BV state, in the National perspective. The growth in cocoon production was significant particularly in X Plan period. The current cocoon production in the State (2013-14) was 40 tons. Rural Development Department is taking various measures to implement the Sericulture activities in the State.
The major components of Sericulture schemes are
- Support for Mulberry plantation and silk worm rearing.
- Support for extension and publicity.
- Beneficiary empowerment programme.
- Incentive for Bivoltine silk yarn production.
- Production Incentive for quality linked cocoon procurement system.
- Support for mechanisation of existing Mulberry garden.
- Support for maintenance of existing mulberry garden.
- Support for post cocoon sector (Reeling, twisting, weaving, printing, handicraft etc.)
Subsidy
- Plantation subsidy – Rs. 6750/ Acre
- Equipment subsidy – Rs. 37500/Acre
- Rearing shed subsidy – Rs. 1,00,000/Acre
- Irrigation subsidy – Rs. 30,000/Acre
- Production incentive – Rs. 30-50/1 Kg cocoon
- (GC+% 80 to 90 and above)
- Mechanisation of Mulberry garden – Rs. 30,000/Acre
- Maintenance of existing Mulberry garden – Rs. 4150/Acre
.