Socio-Economic Viability and Livelihood Impact of Ericulture among Rearers in Baksa District, Assam

Abstract

Ericulture is deeply in Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), integrating traditional practices with sustainable livelihood opportunities for tribal rural communities, especially women, over generations since time immemorial. This study aimed to examine the socio-economic characteristics of eri silk rearers, evaluate the economic viability and profitability of eri-culture, and identify factors influencing engagement in this activity in Assam’s Baksa district. Primary data were collected using a multistage sampling method to survey 90 respondents across three subdivisions, six circles, and 12 villages. The data were analysed using the basic percentage method through cross-tabulation and cost-benefit ratio to assess profitability. The findings reveal that ericulture is female-dominated (97%), with the majority of rearers being middle-aged (65.56%) homemakers (86.67%). Ericulture rearing is profitable because of the low investment but high cost-benefit ratio, generating higher returns of 4.11. However, rearers currently face problems such as a lack of proper market linkages, inadequate technological transformations, and a scarcity of host plants for silkworms. Future research should focus on comparative studies across other districts of BTR to understand the full potential of ericulture. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis of the eri silk supply chain and an investigation of whether socio-cultural, educational, or economic barriers are preventing the adoption of ericulture technologies are needed.