Improvement of Tasar farmers’ economic status in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha through cluster approach

Abstract

Tasar culture is a traditional practice of local tribes in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha since time immemorial. Traditionally, they used to collect tasar cocoons from forest, keep them for moth emergence, mating and subsequently reared silkworm on forest based Asan or Arjun trees. Gradually, through research intervention economic plantations of host plants, tasar silkworm egg production and rearing methods were introduced. Simultaneously, Tasar Rearers’ Cooperative Societies (TRCS), a unique system was developed in Odisha. However, for the production of basic eggs there was dependence on Central Silk Board (CSB). To make the farmers self sufficient in egg production and enhancing the cocoon production, CSB introduced Vanya Cluster Promotion Programme (VCPP) in two areas of Mayurbhanj, viz., Baincha-Jalghati and Thakurmunda-Kendujuani-Mahuldiha Vanya Clusters from 2016–17. A total of 160 farmers comprising of seed (egg) rearers, graineurs (egg producers) and commercial rearers were selected for study. They were trained in different technologies of tasar culture especially in the areas of plantation raising, maintenance, young and late age silkworm rearing, control of pest, predators and diseases of silkworm, egg production. Literacy rate is also very low with 37.5% illiterate and 31.25 were below primary level. However, the technology adoption level by farmers is about 80%. So far as the base line survey is concerned there is significant increase in production as well as productivity of tasar cocoons as well as cocoon quantitative traits. There is 48.23 to 94.55% increase in their income level within last two years. The study further indicates that the farmers of the clusters can be self sufficient in egg production with further increase in their economy.