Vol. 7, Issue 10, Part H (2025)

Sericulture, known as the “Queen of Textiles” industry, provides a vital livelihood to millions in rural India due to its low capital requirement, high employment potential, and profitability. India is the only country producing all five commercial silks—mulberry, tropical tasar, oak tasar, eri, and muga with Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) recognized for its high-quality bivoltine silk. The present study entitled “Status of Sericulture with Special Reference to Pouni Tehsil, Reasi District of Jammu and Kashmir UT” was undertaken to analyze the status of sericulture, cocoon production, and socio-economic conditions of sericulturists. Data were collected from 42 farmers selected across five villages (Lehar, Kundkhanyari, Kheralair, Kothian, and Ransoo) using a structured questionnaire and personal interviews. Results revealed that most farmers (66.6%) were elderly, with moderate to low education levels (47.6% secondary; 21.4% illiterate). Families were mostly medium-sized (56%), and small land holdings (<5 acres) were common (52.3%). Agriculture and sericulture formed the primary occupation (38.1%), with limited alternative income sources. Most farmers (42.8%) had more than 10 years of sericulture experience. All cultivated the Chakmajra mulberry variety with 3×3 ft spacing and canal irrigation. Silkworm rearing houses were mainly brick-walled with cement floors and thatched roofs (64.3%). Farmers reared FC1×FC2 double hybrid silkworms using shoot rearing and paddy husk mountages; however, cocoon yield remained low (<60 kg/100 DFLs). Knowledge about basic mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing technologies was high, but adoption was very low, especially for manuring, fertilization, pruning, pest/IPM management, and scientific mounting/harvesting practices. Key gaps existed in integrated pest management (IPM) of mulberry pests and uzi fly, temperature-humidity regulation, and improved rearing methods. The study highlights that although farmers in Pouni Tehsil are aware of recommended sericultural technologies, technology adoption is poor, resulting in low productivity. Strengthened extension services, hands-on training, and timely supply of quality inputs are essential to improve cocoon yield and enhance the socio-economic conditions of sericulture farmers in Reasi district.