Impact of Adoption of Improved Tasar Silkworm Rearing Technologies on Cocoons Production of Tasar Silkworm Anthereae mylitta D in Maharashtra

Abstract

Tasar culture is being practiced in Maharashtra since last 200 years by the tribal folks of four eastern districts of the state. However, the productivity of tasar cocoons in the state is hovering around average of 2000-4000 cocoons/100 Dfls (Disease Free layings) throughout the year against the norm of 6000 cocoons which might be due to the non-adoption or low adoption of improved tasar rearing technologies by the tasar silkworm rearers. Thus, present study was conducted to investigate the impact of adoption of improved tasar silkworm rearing technologies as a strategy for improving tasar cocoon production in the state. For the study, an “Ex Post Facto” research designed was used and 50 adopted seed cocoon rearers and 50 non-adopted seed cocoon rearers were selected through random sampling method. The results of the study showed that, during the Ist Crop of Daba TV rearing, the average cocoon yield of the farmers who have adopted the tasar silkworm rearing technologies ranged from 2907 to 3612 cocoons per 100 dfls while in case of non-adopter it ranged from 2316 to 2616 cocoons per 100 dfls. The overall improvement in cocoon yield in the technology adopted lots over that of control lot was ranged from 26.58 to 32.08 per cent. Similarly, during IInd crop rearing of Daba TV, the cocoon yield of the farmers who adopted the technology ranged from 3126 to 4123 cocoons per 100 dfls while in the control, it ranged from 2639 to 3493 cocoons per 100 dfls with the overall improvement ranged from 11.80 to 20.29 per cent. Moreover, during IIIrd crop rearing of Daba TV, the cocoon yield of the farmers who adopted the technology ranged from 5322 to 6487 cocoons per 100 dfls compared to non- adopted of technologies which ranged from 4006 to 5213 per 100 dfls. The paired t test showed that there was a significant improvement in cocoon yield due to the adoption of the improved tasar silkworm rearing technology by the adopted seed cocoon rearers in all three crops of Daba TV eco-race. Also, a significant improvement was noticed in the cocoon and shell weight in all the three crops of Daba TV. The study suggests that the effective technology transfer strategies should be developed and implemented in the state coupled with the suitable training programs so as to convince farmers about the benefits of adoption improved tasar silkworm rearing technologies.