Sericulture or Silk farming in undivided state of Andhra Pradesh not only brought handsome revenue for the state, but its Uppada silk sarees and the Peddapuram Pattu Pancha are now household names.
However with the state divide into two, what has been Andhra Pradesh’s profit, has turned out to be huge loss for Telangana since western Chitoor, the most booming sericulture belt by virtue of its geographical location is now an integral part of Andhra Pradesh.
Chitoor has always been the favored location for farmers because it is a less irrigated area and the silk farming does not require abundant water.
Undivided Andhra Pradesh used to rake up a whooping Rs 250 crore annually from selling silk yarn.
Officials from the department of sericulture are now hoping to turn the tide in Telangana also, with a new budget allocation of Rs 25 crore to kick start the specialized farming.
Several areas were also identified by the Authorities where silk farming has a huge potential, including Karimnagar, Nalgonda, Bhongir, Medak and Mahbubnagar.
“These areas have a lot of potential to become a prosperous silk-farming belt. Depending on the prospects, the budget might increase for Telangana” says CS Ramalakshmi, commissioner, department of sericulture.
However there are many challenges that need to be tackled before these areas begin to reap the benefits.
In a good number of places, including Karimnagar and Nalgonda, urbanization is gaining momentum and switching farmers towards other fields of work other than sericulture.
“There is a lack of farm hands in these areas. However, if done properly the farmers stand a chance of earning roughly around Rs 40,000 to 50,000 per month,” Ramalakshmi said.
Like Chitoor farmers, who use the drip irrigation method for the Mulberry plants, where silk worms are grown, Medak and Nalgonda as well stands an equal chance of producing silk on same level with Chitoor.
“The department is also trying to promote sericulture in the state by supporting the farmers, in terms of finances,” Ramalakshmi added.
The department reimburses all the farmers Rs 1.25 per plant and the average sum that every farmer receives through this scheme is Rs 6,500. And additional Rs 45,000 is also provided to the farmers for the farm equipment. As shortage of farm hands is eating away the business, the department also grants Rs 10,000 for mechanization of the farms. For every one kilo of cocoons, the farmer earns Rs 50, add the officials.
“We will provide all these schemes to boost farming in Telangana as well,” said another department official.
Officials are hopeful that these incentives provided to farmers will promote sericulture in the state and optimistically Telangana’s silk would also be renowned across the world.