Sericulture in Nepal

The study of rearing of silkworm for commercial purpose or for silk thread is known as sericulture. The physiographic and climatic condition of Nepal especially mid-hills and high hills region are highly suitable for silkworm rearing. The history of silkworm rearing was originated from China around 2500 years ago. The uses of silk threads are in textile industries and making of surgical stitch (cat gut).

Silkworm Farming/Culture (Sericulture)

Silkworm found in Nepal

Bombax mori and Bombayx seri are two species found in Nepal.

History of Sericulture in Nepal

The rearing of silkworm started during the time of Juddha Sumsher. The official rearing of silkworm began in 2052 B.S. from Kavre district. It has extended to other mid-hills districts. The main objective was to improve the livelihood of the poor farmers. But the case is not as expected. Lack of capital, technical skills and assistance and manpower are the causes for it's restricted farming.

Process of Sericulture/ Silkworm Culture

Silkworm culture mainly involves three components viz. silkworm, mulberry and effective management technique. The general life cycle of silkworm complete in four stages. Egg, Larva, Pupa and Adult. During Larva Stage (10-12 days) the larva undergoes moulting 4 times and are most active. They are allowed to feed on the leaves and twig of mulberry plant. The pupal stage is inactive and manufactures cocoon. This cocoon is then hatched and utilised for obtaining silk thread.

Present Status of Sericulture in Nepal

The status of sericulture in Nepal is fair but not satisfactory. It has been long since the start of rearing, however it hasn't been practised in large scale commercially. It may be due to  the lack of policy & willingness of farmers. Besides these, the main dependence of farmers on cash crops and other agricultural products may be the cause for non-expansion of the culture. The rearing also required fairly good capital, technical skills and timely monitoring to which the poor farmers are deprived off.

Problem of Sericulture

Disease like NPV, Pebrine, fiacherie, arasseric muscardine, etc to silkworm. Other problems includes;

• Tedious work for the farmers as required technical skill.
• Lack of capital for mulberry plantation, silkworm, etc.
• Lack of proper monitoring. 

Prospects of Sericulture in Nepal

The future of sericulture is best in Nepal. Nepal has a suitable environment for sericulture. Government of Nepal is supporting in sericulture through various technical and economic support. The trend has been changed then that what used to be. The policy are being formulated and coming into implementation in favour of farmers to encourage in involving sericulture. Farmers are getting more aware about it's economic and ecological benefits.

Uses of Silk thread

It is the very fine, light and delicate natural fibre. It is very thin but every strong property and has elastic property. It it easier to sew with this thread in machine or with hand. The basic uses of this thread are:

• Silk thread are mostly utilised for preparation of silk clothes. The cloth made up of silk thread alone is too expensive thus used with combination with synthetic fibres nowadays.
• Silk thread are used for garments as well which is used by other industries and for military purpose.
• Manufacturing of fishing fibre, parachute rope,cartridge bag uses silk thread.
• Medical or surgical dresses, stitch (cat gut) are made.
• Filter clothe used in flour mill is made up of silk.
• Along with this the insulation coils of telephone and as well as wireless receiver uses silk.
• Tyre of racing car is manufactured using silk.