Want a realistic yearly income estimate from sericulture on 1 acre, with number of crops and caveats.
3 Answers
One acre of irrigated mulberry can support several silkworm rearings a year and give repeated cocoon income, but the exact figure depends on leaf yield, number of crops, cocoon quality and the market rate. With improved mulberry and good management, farmers often take four to five or more rearing crops per year from an acre, each producing cocoons within about a month. Net income per acre per year varies widely and can be attractive compared with many field crops when rearing is done well and cocoon rates hold, but it can fall sharply if worm disease, poor leaf or low cocoon prices hit. Costs include disease free layings, labour, disinfectants and shed upkeep. Treat it as a steady multi crop income rather than a guaranteed high number. Get training, buy chawki worms to cut risk, and confirm current cocoon rates at your nearest market before planning.
In Anantapur I take about five rearings a year on my acre. Income is steady and comes often, which helps with regular expenses. Bad batches happen if disease enters, so I never reuse a dirty room. Cocoon rate decides the good months.
Do not look only at peak figures people quote. My income depends a lot on cocoon quality. Good white cocoons fetch much more. Keep rearing trays and room clean and feed fresh leaf on time.