Jammu, June 28 -- Sericulture is an agro-based industry, which suits to rural-based farmers, entrepreneurs, and artisans and require of low investment. India has a rich and complex history in silk production and its silk trade dates back to 15th century. Sericulture industry provides employment to approximately 8 million persons in rural and semi-urban areas in India. Of these, a sizeable number of workers belong to the economically weaker sections of society, including women. In reality, it is an occupation by women and for women because women form more than 60% of the workforce and 80% of silk is consumed by them. Women constitute over 60 % of those employed in down-stream activities of sericulture in the country.

Women are mostly favo...