SERICULTURE

Farm Management

Land preparation

The field is levelled and ploughed deeply before the onset of monsoon. Farmyard manure (FYM) may be applied @ 10 t/ha for the rainfed crop and 20 t/ha for the irrigated crop during land preparation.

Method of planting and spacing

(1) Pit system (rainfed crop): Spacing 75 x 75 cm (pit size 30 x 30 x 30 cm)
(2) Row system (irrigated crop): Spacing 60 x 60 cm (ridges and furrows)

Planting material

The variety K2 gives higher yield and better quality leaves. Cuttings must be prepared from shoots of proper maturity (6-8 months) and thickness with well-developed buds. Cuttings of 7-10 cm length and pencil thickness with 3 or 4 active buds are ideal.

Planting

For irrigated crop, two cuttings should be planted at each spot along the margin of the ridge. For rainfed crop, three cuttings are to be planted per pit in a triangular manner with a distance of 15 cm, keeping only one bud exposed. Planting should coincide with onset of monsoon. Gaps should be filled up, to maintain a population of 12,345 plants/ha.

Maintenance of the garden (1st year)

After 8 months of planting, 50 kg each of N, P₂O₅ and K₂O per ha should be applied after weeding. First harvest can be taken six months after planting by leaf picking. Second dose of 50 kg N per ha should be applied 8 weeks after the first leaf harvest. Two more crops can be taken at an interval of 3 months, by leaf picking.

Manuring

For rain fed crop apply FYM @ 10 t/ha as a basal dose and topdress every year at the time of annual pruning. Fertilizers are applied @ 130:65:65 kg/ha of N:P₂O₅:K₂O in two split doses. For irrigated crop, FYM is given @ 20 t/ha as basal dose. Fertilizers are applied @ 300:120:120 kg/ha of N: P₂O₅: K₂O in five split doses.

Pruning

For rainfed crop, bottom pruning is done in May-June. Two top clippings in August/ September and December/January are also practiced. Middle pruning is done in October/November. For irrigated crop, bottom pruning at 15-30 cm height in May, two top clippings in August and December and two middle pruning at 60 cm height in October and February/March are practiced. Apply in split doses after every pruning.

Harvesting

First leaf harvest can be made six months after planting. Subsequent leaf harvests can be taken 45 days after pruning. Five harvests can be had in a year.

Yield

Rainfed crop: 12000-15000 kg / ha / year
Irrigated crop: 25000-30000 kg / ha / year

Last updated: 26-4-2007