How does tasar rearing on forest trees work and what are the main risks?

Tasar is reared largely outdoors: disease-free tasar seed (eggs) are placed on host trees like Arjun and Asan, the worms feed on the leaves in the open, and after they spin cocoons on the trees you harvest the cocoons. Because it is outdoor rearing, the main risks are weather (heavy rain, storms), predators and birds eating the worms, parasites and disease, and theft, so the crop is more exposed than indoor mulberry rearing. Management includes using good disease-free seed, protecting and watching the worms, timely host-tree pruning so fresh leaf is available, and harvesting cocoons at the right stage. Tasar is well suited to forest and tribal areas and is supported by the Central Silk Board, with help often organised through groups and the state department. Get disease-free seed, training and predator-management advice from your sericulture department before starting.