Sericulture and Sustainable Pathways in Assam

Himadri Rabha, Pallavi Deka & Chayanika Nath

Abstract

Sericulture has been an integral component of the agrarian and cultural landscape of Assam for centuries. The state is uniquely positioned in India due to its natural endowment of diverse agroclimatic conditions that support the production of mulberry silk, muga silk, eri silk and tasar silk. In recent decades the concept of sustainability has gained prominence in agricultural and allied sectors including sericulture. Sustainable development of sericulture in Assam implies a balanced integration of economic viability environmental conservation and social equity while ensuring long term productivity and livelihood security. This article elaborately examines the present status of sericulture in Assam its ecological and socioeconomic significance major constraints and emerging opportunities under the sustainability framework. Emphasis is placed on resource efficient production systems biodiversity conservation climate resilience technological interventions institutional support and policy initiatives.