Financing of Sericulture Industry in Andhra Pradesh

Sericulture is one of the most labour-intensive sectors of Indian economy combining both agriculture and industry, providing employment to a large number of people. At present, it provides gainful employment to the rural masses and helps in bringing-about rural transformation. It also helps to uplift the socio-economic status of marginal and small farmers, who are below the poverty line. Today, more than 10 million people are actively involved in sericultural operations which cover cultivation of mulberry, rearing of silkworms, production and marketing of cocoons for reeling and weaving. Of the total, more than 50 per cent are marginal and small farmers. This industry provides an excellent opportunity to promote integrated development of agriculture and industry and helps transform a stagnant rural economy into a dynamic and buoyant industrial economy. The government has been promoting sericulture as one of the significant measures for rural development, especially in the drought affected areas.