More nutritional and better varieties of mulberry leaves have been developed through interaction between serciulturists and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) experts. Some major breakthroughs like rearing silkworms using the shoot rearing technique, which has helped to reduce the number of feedings from four to two. The worms are fed the entire shoot instead of merely the leaves. Straight beds rearing which, facilitates in easy handling and helps in worm growth. The third important achievement relates to mulberry cultivation, using JICA methods it has been possible to improve the growth of newer varieties like V-1. Besides doing away with the concept of denser planting, productivity is placed at over 50 tonnes per hectare for varieties like V-1. On its part, the Central Silk Board (CSB) has also taken up the initiative in developing new equipments to help the spread of bivoltine sericulture which refers to silk reeled from silkworm which lay eggs twice a year. (Courtesy: The EconmicTimes) |