Journal of Biology and Nature

The sericulture industry, with its eco-friendly and labor-intensive nature, serves as a vital livelihood source for rural communities.Jammu and Kashmir, endowed with a favorable climate, hasa rich history of sericulture dating back to 1892. The state was once a leading silk producer in India but now ranks fifth among traditional silk-producing states.Despite its decline in cocoon production, the state remains a vital contributor, producing approximately 1,000MT of cocoons annually, and sericulture continues to be a significant livelihood source for over 30,300 families. The survey was conducted in Kathua, and Udhampur district of Jammu during the month of (March-April), (May-June), (September-October) with around 100-150 farmers. The unique features of these districts are its climatic conditions which suit the silkworm rearing. Farmers of these districts did not carry out proper disinfection before and after the silkworm rearing as per the schedule. The studies revealed that most of the farmers lack knowledge about disinfectants. It has been also observed that the few farmers did not have the knowledge about the preparation of disinfectant and method of spraying. In Kathua district, only 30% respondents have acquired training followed by zero percent in Udhampur district. The overall percentage on training acquired in both district was 15 percent only.District wise data revealed that there were no information and knowledge regarding extension services in district Kathua as the overall extension participation in district Kathua was recorded 0 % followed by 85% in Udhampur district. Maximum farmers did not know about suitable temperature and humidity conditions during different instars. Lack of awareness among farmers with regard to various aspects of silkworm rearing and mulberry production is the main reason of low productivity as compared with other districts.