SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF INDI SILKWORM REARING OF THE BODO
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i4.2024.5734Keywords:
Bodo, Indi, Social, Economic, SilkwormAbstract [English]
This study explores the socio-economic and cultural dimensions of Indi (Eri) silkworm rearing among the Bodo community in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) of Assam. As a traditional livelihood rooted in indigenous practices, Indi sericulture contributes significantly to rural development, economic resilience, and cultural continuity. The practice is deeply interwoven with Bodo identity, involving collective participation across all stages from host plant cultivation to cocoon processing and weaving thereby fostering intergenerational knowledge transfer and community cohesion. Women play a central role in the sericulture value chain, with their involvement enhancing financial autonomy, skill development, and decision-making power within households and community structures. The formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperatives has further institutionalized women’s empowerment, facilitating access to credit, training, and market linkages. Economically, Indi rearing offers low-capital entry and year-round income generation, particularly for marginal farmers. Cost-benefit analysis reveals that even small-scale operations can yield stable returns with minimal environmental impact. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited market access, youth outmigration, and weak institutional support threaten the sector’s sustainability and its potential for upward social mobility. Despite these barriers, the resilience of traditional knowledge systems, coupled with targeted interventions such as gender sensitive policies, skill-building programs, and digital integration can strengthen the sector’s developmental impact. Indi sericulture thus emerges not only as an eco-friendly and economically viable livelihood but also as a powerful vehicle for women's empowerment, cultural preservation, and inclusive rural development in Northeast India.
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