How could the pest infestation and drought affect Mandya district's sericulture industry?
Mandya's sericulture faces yield drops amid record cocoon prices The combination of drought and pest attacks, specifically thrips and mites, has reduced mulberry leaf production by nearly 50% across the silk belt, impacting Mandya district's sericulture operations. While this reduction in supply has led to a decrease in daily cocoon tonnage at markets, it has simultaneously driven up prices. For instance, bivoltine cocoons reached a record price of ₹1,120 per kg, and first-grade raw silk increased from ₹5,850 to ₹6,700 per kg, benefiting farmers due to high demand.
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How it reaches Mandya district
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Farmers and officials in Karnataka reported that the mulberry yield has been impacted by thrips and mites during a drought, reducing production by about half. The silk farmers’ association president in Ramanagara stated that the dry spell increased mite attacks, leading to a nearly 50% reduction in mulberry leaf production. Chikkaballapura, Kolar, Ramanagara, and Mandya were identified as top sericulture areas in the state.
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As Mandya is identified as a top sericulture area, the reduced production and low supply of silk cocoons and raw silk within the district have caused prices to shoot up. For example, bivoltine cocoons reached ₹1,120 per kg, a record price, and first-grade raw silk increased to ₹6,700 per kg.
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- thehindu.com Oct 1
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district of Karnataka, India
Everything about Mandya district
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- Around 50% of the mulberry yield in Karnataka has been impacted owing to the thrips and mites attack during the drought.thehindu.com
- Chikkaballapura, Kolar, Ramanagara and Mandya top the list in sericulture.thehindu.com
- Last year, the Ramanagara market received 60 tonnes of silk cocoons every day; this year it has reduced to 40 tonnes.thehindu.com
- The price of bivoltine cocoons reached ₹1,120 per kg a few days ago.thehindu.com
- The first-grade quality of raw silk cost has increased from ₹5,850 to ₹6,700 per kg.thehindu.com
Why it matters
Sericulture is a vital industry for Mandya district, which is listed among the top sericulture areas in Karnataka. The health of this industry directly impacts the livelihoods of local farmers, who typically aim to earn ₹4 lakh for one acre per year if they follow proper practices.
The current situation reflects a broader regional challenge across the silk belt. The reduction in yield due to environmental stress and pests is creating a volatile market, where low supply is driving up prices, which is a double-edged sword for the district's economic stability.
What we don't know yet
- Will the Department of Sericulture provide free neem oil to farmers to control mite attacks?
- How will the reduced cocoon supply affect the long-term production capacity of the district?
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- thehindu.comOct 1
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