Tamil Nadu Colleges Add Sericulture Courses as ₹15,000 Model Targets Rural Jobs
Updated
Updated · The Hindu · Jun 11
Tamil Nadu Colleges Add Sericulture Courses as ₹15,000 Model Targets Rural Jobs
2 articles · Updated · The Hindu · Jun 11
Summary
Several agriculture colleges in Tamil Nadu have introduced sericulture and moriculture courses, using practical modules to train students in cocoon production, silk extraction and related agri-business skills.
Less than ₹15,000 can establish mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing on one acre, according to researchers, making it a low-cost income option for farmers in water-stressed districts.
About 40 students at Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Agriculture College take an eighth-semester experiential course, while Palar Agricultural College runs a mini unit for cocoon rearing and silk extraction.
Researchers say sericulture can complement paddy systems in the Cauvery Delta, where water scarcity, climate change, procurement issues and rising input costs have weakened farm returns.
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University already offers degree and diploma programmes, and advocates say wider teaching could help rural youth build businesses in mulberry cultivation, rearing, reeling and weaving.