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Technology transfer through cluster approach in sericulture for women empowerment and for long term sustenance

Muniraju E*, Bongale UD, Rangaswamy & Shivamallappa
Karnataka State Sericulture Research and Development Institute, Thalaghattapura, Bangalore-560 062, India
Received 13th June, 2010; Revised 29th August, 2010

Abstract : During past few decades, researches carried out at different organizations have yielded several technologies recommended for reduction of yield gap in sericulture. In practice, these technologies are demonstrated adopting different approaches which were not satisfactory to the full extent because they did not yield the expected results at the users end. In the present study the cluster approach has been adopted for technology transfer involving women sericulturists.
Four villages in Kanakapura taluk under the intensive sericulture belt in southern part of Karnataka State were identified for the study. Initial bench mark survey and selection of farmers were followed by soil sample collection and identification of technological gaps and yield gaps in respect of individual farmers. Important among the yield gaps identified were soil test based fertilizer application, host plant disease and pest management, disinfection and hygiene during rearing and labour reducing rearing technologies among others which were short listed for intervention as project components, and those short listed on individual farmer basis were taken up as promotional components on long term basis. Identified lead and progressive  women sericulturists (28) were trained at the Institute followed by interactions and training programs at village level (197 farmers) and at cluster level (501 farmers) in addition to providing technology input support as a promotional and motivational component. As a supportive component of the program, chawki rearing center was opened at one of the cluster village. For long term sustenance, 31 women SHGs have been organized in these 4 village clusters covering 512 members to  promote the activities supporting financial and technological needs; and the SHG members were trained to maintain the accounts and related activities. Exposure visits were organized to educate the women on recent technologies adopted by the lead and progressive farmers in neighboring taluks/ districts. Farmers were also encouraged for use of Glyricidia as ex-situ green manure and split application of farm yard manure. In addition, 120  women sericulturists were trained to make use of the cut/pierced cocoons by spinning for value addition using Medlery Charaka.
To understand the impact of the project implementation, survey was conducted at the end of the project period of three years and the data showed increased number of farmers (16 over the initial 195), mulberry area (7.5 acres over 54.17 acres), increased brushing capacity (81 dfls/acre/crop over 153.3 dfls/acre/crop) cocoon yield (5.17kg/100 dfls over 58.89kg/100dfls) and sericulture income (Rs. 8000 over Rs. 40000/acre/year). The paper discusses the related data and progress.

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