Sericulture in Karnataka Faces Challenges Amid Climate Change and Market Shifts
Sericulture, a vital industry in Karnataka, has been facing significant challenges due to climate change and evolving market dynamics, particularly in the districts of Ramanagara and Chikkaballapur. Despite the average size of agricultural landholdings being less than one hectare, these regions together contribute to over 43% of India’s raw silk production, with daily yields of approximately 130 tonnes of cocoons.
In the village of Hittalahalli, where almost all farmers were historically involved in sericulture, the industry has experienced a sharp decline in recent years. According to H G Gopala Gowda, a sericulturist from the village, pests like pink mealy bugs, thrips, and whiteflies, combined with diseases like root rot and powdery mildew, have severely affected mulberry crops—the primary feed for silkworms. These issues have halved the yield and have even led to times when silkworm larvae couldn’t be adequately nourished.
Karnataka’s sericulture sector, which employs over 60 lakh people in the state, is critical to the economy, yet the impact of changing weather patterns, including extreme heat and erratic rainfall, is damaging silkworm health and reducing production. In Sidlaghatta, another key hub, the number of sericulture farmers has dropped from 6,750 in 2021 to 6,237 in 2024, with predictions of further decline due to increasing climate unpredictability.
Similarly, the traditional art of silk reeling, crucial for extracting silk from cocoons, is facing a decline in practitioners. In Ramanagara, known as the ‘Silk City’, the number of silk reelers has halved over the past three years, falling from about 3,200 to just 1,019. This decline highlights the shifting challenges within Karnataka’s once-thriving sericulture industry.
As the climate continues to change and market dynamics shift, Karnataka’s sericulture industry faces an uncertain future despite being one of the most profitable agrarian sectors, contributing significantly to both local and national economies.
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