Sericulture in Sikkim: 

(Source: Directorate of Sericulture, FEWMD, GoS)  

Over the period of time sericulture activities all across the state are gearing up in all dimensions thus could be described under the two main headings as per the nature i.e Commercial and Extensional activities. Commercial activities are related to silkworm rearings and nursery practices to generate benefit to stakeholders and revenue. Sikkim is bestowed upon with congenial climate for the sericulture and enjoys practicing three types of sericulture viz. mulberry, eri and muga culture in parallel. Consistent efforts are made in exploring sericulture potential through extension and developmental activities being carried out in the probable villages all across the state. At the same time augmentation of bare minimum need infrastructures are on priority.

Sericulture Commercial Activities: It is the main thrust area in sericulture which are being carried out simultaneously in two levels with a common objectives in the line of production and sale of sericulture produce at farm level. The agro-based sericulture begins with land related activities to grow silkworm food plants, and utilise the leaf crop in silkworm rearing to get the cocoon crops. These two-tire jobs are in a simultaneous order for mulberry, muga and ericulture for getting the final output in terms of cocoons. More the area more production under proper management could generate employment and revenue for the state and help improve economy. Infact the quantum and quality input always determine output and economy, and success are always interrelated. Thus, commericial activities are focussed on two main areas viz. to grow sufficient quantity of good quality silkworm food enabling to conduct silkworm rearings and of harvest cocoon crops for getting ultimate benefit of sericulture.

Extension and Development of Sericulture through CDP (CSS): 

» Sericulture Beneficiaries w.e.f 2009-10 to 2012-13 under CDP

The sericulture potentiality of Sikkim state has been under the process of exploration jointly by the State department and Central Silk Board Government of India, through launching a flagship programme called Catalytic Development Programme since mid of the 9th plan period. And over the years with consorted efforts from the both ends considerable success have been made in the state sericulture in generating employment through expansion in plantation area, augmentation of infrastructures, empowerment of skills and capacity of sericulture stakeholders. The State is much previledged to bring into practice of three kinds of Sericulture simultanuously through cluster approach in the most potential villages of three districts viz. East, South and West district respectively on collaborative approach. The achievements made in extension programme are as shown in the table below:

NB: Figure taking bench mark of CDP-2009

District-wise, Sector-wise Cocoon Production Target - 2014

The progress made up to the completion of CDP-2009, with total area coverage at par with the number of stakeholders under three sectors is shown in table under:

NB: mentioned are the figures based on reality and facts with sericulture economy norms.

Financial Assistance: In support of tapping ample resources the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India has been consistent in funding the State government for all round development of sericulture in Sikkim through a scheme called Catalytic Development Programme by the Central Silk Board, Government of India. Several schemes are incorporated into this with financial assistance to the State government and stakeholders. The provision of financial assistance to the state department and stakeholders varies from scheme to scheme as 50% assistance are provided for development of government infrastructures and 80% to the stakeholders. Thus, remaining 50% and 10% of total cost in the respective schemes are to be borne by the state government, thereby leaving clear provision of 10% contribution from the individual stakeholders.

FUNDING POSITION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SERICULTURE IN SIKKIM:

GOVERNMENT SERICULTURE FARM CUM NURSERY 
There are three prominent government sericulture farms each in three districts showcasing three kinds of sericulture practices in the State also catering the need of stakeholders. Every sericulture farm in the district bear great responsibility to play vital role in extension and development in the State.

(i) Government Sericulture Farm cum Nursery in East Sikkim (Rorathang): This is the only farm cum nursery in East district located at Rorathang under the Rhenock constituency and same BAC. The distance from Rangpo town is 11 kms which is nearly 08 kms before Rhenock. At present this farm is functioning under the inchargeship of one Range Officer, two supervisors and 09 workers. Area-wise, this is one of the largests farm associated with the practice of mulberry, muga and ericulture. It is provided with bare minimum need of sericulture facilities to be undertaken on need base season specific activities identified as under:

1. Mulberry, Eri and Muga silkworm rearings to compensate the farm maintenance cost.
2. Commercial grainage operation, to meet up the muga and eri dfls. particularly for the autumn crop.
3. Production of mulberry, kutmero planting materials and castor seed to support augmentation of silkworm food plants under the CAP in east district.
4. Organise the residential farmers training and orientation programme.

(ii) Government Sericulture Farm cum Nursery in South Sikkim (Mamring): This is the second largets farm cum nursery in South district. Land and soil are suitable for sericulture, the infrastructure facilities are provided in the same line to carry out mulberry, muga and eri culture particularly commercial rearings to produce cocoons and planting materials of mulberry and kutmero, including castor seeds as per the requiremen of CDP in South district. It is running with 07 number of workers with one staff under the control of Assistant Director(Sericulture).

(iii) Government Sericulture Centre in West Sikkim(Nagdhara): This sericulture farm cum nursery at Nagdhara West Sikkim was created much later than two mentioed above, in a small plot of land measuring less than three acres on the roadside nearly 15 kms away from Jorethang towards Legsip in West Sikkim. Inspite of limitation in area, it is covered with greenary of mulberry, muga and eri food plants, with one office room, store house and provision of rearing 100 dfls. at a time. This sericulture centre is to cater the need of mulberry and muga planting materials, including castor seeds required under the CDP in West Sikkim, and to motivate the sericulture stakeholders through succesful practices. This centre is running under the inchargeship of one Blocl Officer (Sericulture), two supervisors however, the workers to be engaged as per the need with maximum limit of 07 manday.

(Source: Directorate of Sericulture, FEWMD, GoS)  

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