Seribiodiversity and Sustainable Sericulture: Integrating Forest Conservation and Rural Livelihood in India
R. Nandha Kumar *
Forest College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Mettupalayam -641 301, India.
R. Moulidharshan
Forest College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Mettupalayam -641 301, India.
T. Thamizharasu
Sher-e Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
G. Savitha
Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore-560065, India.
S. Susikaran
Directorate of Open and Distance Learning, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – 641 041, India.
M. Sabiya Sulthana
Forest College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Mettupalayam -641 301, India.
V. Kabinesh
Forest College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Mettupalayam -641 301, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
India stands out as the only country in the world producing all four commercially important varieties of natural silk mulberry, eri, tasar and muga each representing unique genetic and ecological diversity. The sericulture sector plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, livelihood generation, and sustainable rural development. Non-mulberry silks, dependent on forest ecosystems, link sericulture closely with forest biodiversity and tribal culture. Conserving seribiodiversity including silkworm races, host plants, and their habitats is vital for maintaining ecosystem balance and enhancing silk productivity. The study aims to examine how sericulture can integrate environmental conservation with socio-economic development by promoting biodiversity conservation, sustainable rural livelihoods, and inclusive economic growth. Sericulture aligns strongly with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting poverty reduction, gender equality, decent work and responsible production. Despite challenges such as genetic erosion, climate vulnerability, and limited market access, advancements in molecular breeding, eco-certification, and forest-based silk parks offer significant potential. By integrating environmental conservation with socio-economic growth, sericulture exemplifies a sustainable, eco-friendly rural enterprise that harmonizes biodiversity conservation with inclusive development. It is recommended that strengthening participatory forest management, adopting scientific breeding and conservation programs, and promoting eco-friendly and value-added silk production systems can collectively ensure ecological stability, climate resilience, and rural empowerment. Future efforts should focus on molecular characterization and conservation of silkworm genetic resources, promotion of eco-certification and sustainable silk production standards, and the establishment of forest-based silk parks integrating biodiversity conservation with rural enterprise.
Keywords: Seribiodiversity, non-mulberry silk, forest-based sericulture, sustainable development, rural livelihood, biodiversity conservation