Breaking of Poverty Through Sericulture And Its Value Added Products of Cocoon by Utilization Among The Tribe-A SocioEconomic Study of East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India

The present strategy of rural development in India mainly focuses on poverty alleviation, better livelihood opportunities, provision of basic amenities and infrastructure facilities through innovative programmes of wage and self-employment. In this context sericulture is a better option because it is an agro based economic activity which provides immense scope for self- employment. It provides direct or indirect employment to about 7 million people in India. Andhra Pradesh endowed with 37,000 ha under mulberry crop and occupies 2nd position in the country in production of silk. The study area has about 315 acres under mulberry cultivation. The total beneficiaries are 5600 out of them 4100 are tribal in the district. In the district 45 per cent beneficiaries out of 100 adopted the sericulture as main occupation and rest 55 per cent as secondary occupation. The total monthly income obtained from all sources to the families involved in sericulture occupation is average Rs. 4500/- The total monthly expenditure is about Rs. 2550/-. Hence migration of people from rural to urban areas in search of jobs can be minimized. In view of the significance of the sericulture industry in providing entrepreneurial opportunities in the production process of silk and silk fabric and its value addition by the utilization of cocoons, an attempt was made to discuss the socio-economic study in the Industry.