International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
R Ajay Kumar, HT Megha, S Shreyas, B Sannappa and KG Manjunath

abstract
An investigation through survey has been conducted in Krishnarajpet taluk of Mandya district of Karnataka state, India, to know the constraints in mulberry and cocoon production among the sericulture farmers. Information pertaining to the current investigation was collected from 50 farmers in seven villages through formal discussion using pre-structured interview schedule. The study revealed that, in respect of mulberry production, all the farmers (n=50, 100%) are facing constraints in non-availability of mulching material and lack of knowledge about integrated management of pests. In cocoon production, all the farmers are facing constraints in shortage and high wage of rate for labourers, lack of knowledge in maintenance of temperature and humidity for late-age worms and lack of separate mounting hall for spinning cocoons and non-availability of adequate mountages. Among financial constraints, all the farmers are facing constraints in non- availability of finance on time. In institutional constraints, all the farmers are facing lack of service personal for efficient transfer of technologies, demonstration of recent technologies and fluctuation in price of cocoons. In respect of managerial constraints, all the farmers are facing lack of ability to utilize resources efficiently and effectively and untimely adoption of mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing operations. Despite all the constraints, the area has great potential for silk production. Therefore, farmers of the study area can be provided with adequate knowledge in both mulberry and cocoon production to enhance the production and productivity of cocoons.