Problems and Reforms of Sericulture Seed Farmers in Malda District, West Bengal

Being an agro based industry; sericulture provides employment opportunities to men and women in rural as well as urban areas. Adopted Seed Rearers (ASRs) are the sericulture farmers having impeccable skills involved in the production of quality mulberry seed cocoons, which are used for the generation of healthy commercial Disease Free Layings (DFLs). In this study, the primary data was collected from the leading ASRs of Gazole, Malda district, West Bengal. The study has revealed that the ASRs are facing several constraints to generate superior quality seed cocoons. Women in the family are also actively engaged in all activities of sericulture generates considerable income. Hence sericulture can be considered as a promising tool for the sustainable rural development.