Improving Livelihood of Tribals in Chhattisgarh: Adopted Silkworm Seed Rearing of Tropical Tasar <I>Antheraea mylitta</I> Drury

Abstract

The 'tropical tasar', one of the variety of four commercially known non-mulberry silk in India, called Vanya silk, is an exclusive craft of about 1.5 lakh tribals, having huge base of 111.60 lakh hectare of natural tasar flora. Rearing quality, its success and profitability, then exhibiting superior grainage traits and post cocoon attributes, all indispensably rely on quality and most vitally, timely supply of required quantity of basic seed, called DFLs (Disease Free Laying) in defined brushing schedule, accommodating regional and seasonal suitability. The tribal engaged in this activity were the poorest of the poor living below the poverty line having an annual family income of Rs. 11,850.00 or less. Their seven year's success story of tasar Seribusiness clearly indicates that there has been an aggregate per farmer average annual income of Rs. 3198=00, which stands around 27% of their total annual income. Considering the economic significance of time and energy spent by them, this seasonal avocation of tasar seed crop rearing corresponds a tremendous impact in improving the economic status of tribal community to grow out of poverty and to curtail down the exploiting role of the local moneylenders. On the other hand, the cluster of seed rearers also helped the Central Silk Board grainage to increase the production of tasar seed manifold. Their contribution in terms of cocoons production was 51.47 % and for seed production it was 47.52%. It indicates that similar efforts at national level can bridge the existing demand and supply gap of 74.02 Lakh DFLs.