July 2013, Volume: 1 Issue: 7

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN SERICULTURE: THEIR

PARTICIPATION & PROBLEMS FACED

1.
Dr.R.Anitha, Principal, Sasi Creative School of Business, Coimbatore , e-mail :

anitharaveekumar@gmail.com
2.
Ms.V.Kanimozhi, Assistant Professor, Sasi Creative School of Business, Coimbatore ,

e-mail: kanimozhi.viswanathan@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The present global scenario clearly indicates enormous opportunities for the Indian
Silk Industry. Sericulture is one of the most labor intensive sectors, combining activities of both
agriculture (sericulture) and industry. At present 23,691 farmers are practicing Sericulture in
Tamil Nadu and in reality, it is an occupation by women and for women because women form
more than 60% of the workforce and 80% of silk is consumed by them. This study in
undertaken to understand the participation of women in sericulture, factors which influenced
them to venture into sericulture and the problems faced by them while starting and promoting
the business.
Key Words : Sericulture, Women, Problems, Participation
INTRODUCTION
Globally, Asia is regarded as the main producer of silk as it produces over 95 % of the total
global output. The bulk of it is produced in China, India, Japan, Brazil and Korea. India has
been ranked as the second major and largest raw silk producer in the world as it contributes
about 18% to the total world raw silk production, with an annual silk production of around
20,000 Metric Tons.
Sericulture and Silk Textiles Industry is one of the major sub-sectors comprising the textiles
sector. Sericulture is an agro-based labour intensive industry and refers to the mass-scale

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rearing of silk producing organisms in order to obtain silk. The production process consists of a
long chain of interdependent and specialized operations. The major activities involved in a
sericulture industry are:
 Cultivation of silkworm food plants
 Rearing of silkworms for the production of raw silk
 Reeling the cocoons for unwinding the silk filament
 Other post-cocoon processes such as twisting, dyeing, weaving, printing and finishing.
In India, it is a village-based industry practiced in about 53,814 villages and provides
employment to about 6 million people moreover it is capable of providing continuous income
to farmers. Sericulture suits both marginal and small scale land holders because of its low
investments, high assured returns, short gestation period, rich opportunities for enhancement of
income and creation of family employment round the year.
In India, due to favorable climatic conditions, mulberry is cultivated mainly in five states, viz.,
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Jammu & Kashmir. These five
states collectively account for 97% of the total area under mulberry cultivation and 95% of raw
silk production in the country. Tamil Nadu occupies fourth position in the country in silk
production and now it is working with an aim to occupy third position. The annual silk
production in Tamil Nadu is around 1400 Metric Tons. At present 23,691 farmers are
practicing Sericulture in Tamil Nadu, cultivating 36,482 acres of mulberry which gives
employment opportunities to 1,82,410 persons as on 31.03.2012.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Sirajudeen (2011) in the study “Sericulture industry: An overview” revealed that sericulture
is essentially a village based industry providing employment to a sizeable section of the
population. Although sericulture is considered as a subsidiary occupation, technological
innovation has made it possible to take it up on an intensive scale capable of generating
adequate income.
Anitha (2011) in the study “Status of Silk Industry in India” revealed that sericulture is ideally
suited for improving the rural economy of the country, this sector has been identified as a

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sector of the Indian economy with strong potential to create jobs and contribution to foreign
trade with Japanese technology and cooperation, the central silk Board has recently been able
to evolve and popularize bivoltine silkworm races which can yield raw silk of international
standards. With these races, provided there are simultaneous reforms in the marketing and
processing of cocoons, India can hope to develop its sale of domestic raw silk beyond its own
borders.
Angellina Glorita Parimala (2009) in the study “Role of women in Sericulture” revealed that
the role of women in sericulture is remarkable and it helps to eradicate the unemployment
problem among the rural women. In developing countries like India, agriculture and agro based
industries play a vital role in the improvement of rural economy.
Visalakshmi Rajeswari and Kangiam Victoria Devi (2008) in their study “Multifaces of
Sericulture : The cocooned Gem” explained that the sericulture is an agro based industry,
involving different types of operation, sericulture acts an interface in transferring wealth from
richer section to poorer sections of the society. Silk is consumed mostly by the affluent and the
money so spend by them on purchase of silk is distributed among the sericulturists, reelers,
weavers, and traders.
Sarala, and Aravinda (2008) in the study “Problems and Prospectus of Sericulture in
Shivamogga District, Karnataka” explained Sericulture is one of the labour intensive cottage
industries involving mulberry cultivation, silkworm rearing and egg production, reeling and
weaving of the loom and other post cocoon processes like twisting, dyeing, painting, finishing,
etc. along with the utilization of by products, offering a most promising alternative agricultural
activity.
NEED FOR THE STUDY
In developing countries like India, agriculture and agro based industries play a crucial role in
the improvement of rural economy. The limited availability of land, the limited cash returns,
and agriculture being confined to one or two seasons in the year, have made villages to look for
supporting rural industries, such as sericulture. In reality, Sericulture is an occupation by and
for women because women form more than 60% of the workforce and 80% of silk is consumed

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by them. Women constitute over 60 % of those employed in down-stream activities of

sericulture in the country. Sericulture can generate employment up to 11 persons for every kg
of raw silk produced. Out of which more than 6 persons are women.
It is worked out that about 2,575 women work days comprising about 60 percent are generated
per annum out of a total of about 4,225 work days in all the activities in sericulture per hectare
of irrigated mulberry. Sericulture provides scope for the direct involvement of women in the
process of production and decision making for improving their economic conditions and it
enables them to gain greater recognition and status in the family and society. Sericulture thus
provides rewarding occupation to women in the rural areas in India. This study aims to
understand the problems faced by women entrepreneurs and their participation in sericulture.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The rural women entrepreneurs engaged in Sericulture activities along with agriculture in
Udumalpet and Pollachi Taluk which belongs to Tirupur and Coimbatore district respectively
of Tamilnadu were included in the study.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1. To identify the participation of women in Sericulture
2. To identify the reasons and factors influenced women to venture into sericulture
3. To understand the problems faced by women entrepreneurs in sericulture
4. To offer suggestions based on research findings
HYPOTHESIS FOR THE STUDY
H01 : There is no association between Educational qualification and income from
Sericulture
H02 : There is no association between age and income from sericulture

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Type of the Study: Descriptive study in undertaken to understand the participation of women
in sericulture, factors which influenced them to venture into sericulture and the problems faced
by them while starting and promoting the business.

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Sampling Design: A total of 125 Women Sericulture entrepreneurial farmers in Udumalpet

and Pollachi Taluk were taken as the samples for the study using Judgment sampling method.
Data Collection: Primary data were collected from respondents using questionnaire and
interview schedule methods. Secondary data were collected from various books, journals,
magazines, newspapers and internet sources.
Tools for Analysis: Weighted Average, Mean Score, Simple Percentage analysis and chi-
square.
ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
Table 1 : Participation of Women in Sericulture Industry

S.No Year Employment (In Lakh Person) No of Women (In Lakh Person)

1. 2000-2001 54.00 32.40

2. 2001-2002 55.73 33.44

3. 2002-2003 56.00 33.60

4. 2003-2004 56.50 33.90

5. 2004-2005 58.00 34.80

6. 2005-2006 59.05 35.43

7 2006-2007 60.03 36.02

8 2007-2008 64.11 38.74

Source: Department Of Sericulture Industry
Table 1 indicates that participation of women in sericulture industry is high and also shows an
increasing trend from the year 2000 to 2008.

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Table 2 : Demographic Profile of the Respondents

S. No Demographic profile %
Married 78
1 Marital status
Un Married 22
25-30 23
30-35 26
2 Age (in years)
35-40 29
Above 40 22
Up to SSLC 34
Educational HSC / Diploma 32
3
qualification Under Graduation 18
Post Graduation 16
House wives 29
Private employees 22
4 Occupational Status
Government employees 24
Business and Professionals 25
Table 2 indicates that 78% of the respondents are married. The respondents are more or less
equally spread in all the age groups and have educational qualification only up to SSLC or
HSC/Diploma and moreover most of them are house wives.
Table 3: Respondents Monthly Income from Sericulture
S. No. Monthly Income %
1 Up to 10000 17
2 10,001 -15,000 22
3 15,001 -20,000 17
4. 20,001-25000 24
5. Above 25,000 20
Total 100
Table 3 indicates that most (24%) of the respondents earn between Rs.20,001 and Rs.25,000
per month followed by 22% of the respondents earning between Rs.10,001 and Rs.15,000 per
month from sericulture.

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Table 4: Motivational Factors to start Sericulture

S. No. Motivational Factors %
1 Relatives 28
2 Awareness’ Program 21
3 Field officer 32
4 Magazine 11
5 Others 8
Total 100
Table 4 indicates that most (32%) of the respondents were motivated by field officers to start
sericulture, followed by 28% of the respondents being motivated by their relatives and 21%
were motivated through awareness programs.
Table 5: Reasons for Starting Sericulture Business
S. No. Reasons for starting sericulture business %
1 High net income 18
2 To do independent business 14
4 Economic Status will be increased 12
3 Full employment for the family members 19
4 Low investment 13
5 Suitable occupation for small farmers 16
7 Other Reasons 8
Total 100
Table 5 indicates that 19% of the respondents have started sericulture in order to have full
employment for the family members, followed by 18% of the respondents for earning high net
income and 16% have felt that it is suitable for small farmers. And 8% of the respondents
stated other reasons like availing subsidies, readily available technical guidance, easy to
understand and adopt sericulture technology.
Table 6: Problems Faced at the Time of Promoting Sericulture Business
S. No. Problems %

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1 Financial problems 18
2 Labour problems 19
3 Natural problems 13
4 Technical problems 14
5 Administrative problems 12
6 Political problems 18
7 Other problems 6
Total 100

Table 6 indicates that 19% of the respondents face Labor problems at the time of promoting
Sericulture, followed by 18% of the respondents facing financial and political problems. And
6% of the respondents face other problems like lack of research and innovation, subsidiary
activities, and lack of quality production.
Table 7 : Opinion Regarding Growth in Sericulture Business
S. No. Growth in Sericulture %
1 Highly Satisfied 38
2 Satisfied 36
3 Dissatisfied 26
Total 100
Table 7 indicates that 38% of the respondents are highly satisfied followed by 36% of the
respondents satisfied with their growth in sericulture business. 26% of the respondents are
dissatisfied regarding their growth in Sericulture business.
Table 8: Problems Faced by Women entrepreneurs in Sericulture Business
S. No.
Problems %
1 Lack of time 34
2 Heavy work load 37
3 Physical problems 16
4 Other problems 13
Total 100
Table 8 indicates that Heavy work load is one of problem faced by most (37%) of the
respondents followed by lack of time.
Table 9: Time spend by Women Entrepreneurs in Sericulture Activity
S. No. Time spend per day %
1 Three Hours 29
2 Six Hours 40
3 Above Six Hours 31
Total 100

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Table 9 indicates that most (40%) of the women entrepreneurs spend six hours per day in
sericulture followed by 31% of the respondents spending above 6 hours per day.
Table 10 : Respondents Priority for opting Government Subsidies
S. No. Government Subsidies Total score Weighted Rank
average
1 Silkworm Rearing Sheds 583 20.82 I
2 Water facility 577 20.60 II
3 Drip Irrigation 538 19.21 III
4 Plant Maintenance 492 17.57 IV
5 Diseases control measures 408 14.57 VII
6 Rearing Equipments 427 15.25 VI
7 Mulberry cultivation 475 16.96 V

Table 10 shows ranking of respondents’ priority for opting government subsidies. Silkworm
rearing sheds has been ranked 1 followed by water facility, drip irrigation etc.
Table 11: Respondents’ Satisfaction level towards Government Subsidies
S. No. Satisfaction Level %
1 Satisfied 58
2 Dissatisfied 42
Total 100

Table 11 indicates that majority (58%) of the respondents are satisfied with the subsidies
provided by the government.
Chi Square Analysis :
H01 : There is no association between Educational qualification and income from sericulture.
Table 12 : Association Between Educational Qualification and Income
Computed Value x 2 Table value D.F
15.4210 21 12
Since the calculated value is less than the table value the null hypothesis is accepted. Hence
there is no association between Educational qualification and income from sericulture.

H02 : There is no association between age and income from sericulture.

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Table 13 : Association Between Age And Income

Computed Value x 2 Table value D.F
14.2502 21.0 12
Since the calculated value is less than the table value the null hypothesis is accepted. Hence
there is no association between age and income from sericulture.
FINDINGS
 Majority (78%) of the respondents are married
 Most (34%) of the respondents have educational qualification up to SSLC
 Most (29%) of the respondents are house wives
 Most (24%) of the respondents earn income between Rs.20,001 and 25,000 from
sericulture
 Most (32%) of the respondents were motivated by field officers to start sericulture.
 Most (19%) of the respondents have started sericulture in order to have full employment
for their family members
 Most (19%) of the respondents face labor problems at the time of promoting sericulture,
followed by financial and political problems
 Majority of the respondents are either highly satisfied (38%) or satisfied (36%) with
their growth in sericulture business
 Most (37%) of the respondents’ problems in sericulture business is heavy work load
followed by lack of time
 Most (40%) of the respondents spend six hours for sericulture activity per day
 Respondents prefer government subsidies mainly for silkworm rearing sheds followed
by water facility.
 Majority (58%) of the respondents are satisfied with the government subsidies
 There is no association between Educational qualification and income earned by
respondents from sericulture
 There is no association between age and income earned by respondents from sericulture
SUGGESTIONS

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 Most of the women have education only up to school level hence they are unable to
understand modern techniques in sericulture. They face problems like heavy work load and
lack of time, hence effective and efficient training programs in nearby places can be
organized by government and Sericulture department.
 Women are facing financial problems in sericulture, so sericulture department and regional
rural banks can make arrangements so that process involved in availing loans is simple and
beneficial.
 Sericulture department should come out with advanced technology and make women
entrepreneurs in sericulture to implement new technology in order to reduce the burden of
heavy workload and labor problems.
 Women must be encouraged to participate with timely and continuous support in all the
activities of sericulture and also extra subsidies can be provided to promote sericulture
business.
 There is a need for commercialization of sericulture in order to compete in the world of
new economic regime.
CONCLUSION
Even though the participation of Women is high in Sericulture industry and majority of the
women entrepreneurs are satisfied with subsidies provided by government, still they face
various problems while starting and promoting their sericulture business. Most of the women
entrepreneurs involved in Sericulture have minimum educational qualification, so government
and sericulture department can organize effective training and development activities for them,
which will ultimately reduce the problems and also enable the women entrepreneurs to
overcome the obstacles. Sericulture is one among the high income generating industry, hence
promoting women entrepreneurs in Sericulture will lead to economic development and
empowerment of women.

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SCOPE FOR FUTURE RESEARCH

Future research can be carried out in other geographical locations and also an in-depth analysis
about the problems faced by women entrepreneurs in sericulture and measures to overcome the
problems in sericulture can be made. Research can be done on women employees involved in
sericulture activity.
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1. Angellina Glorita Parimala (2009) “Role of women in sericulture” Kisan World pp. 33 -
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