Vol. 6 No. 1
Economics of muga culture – a case study in Coochbehar district of West Bengal.
Author(s): C. PANDEY, K. K. DAS AND T. N. ROY
Abstract: The study attempts to trace about the economics of Muga silkwonn (Antherea assamensis) rearing in Coochbehar district of West Bengal. Micro level study in two most important blocks in Coochbehar district namely, Dinhata-1 and Coochbehar-11 reveals that an annual investment of around Rs. 15, 600 for maintenance of one acre of Som tree garden (host plant for Muga silkwonn) and rearing of corresponding quantity of Muga Dfls (disease free layings} are required. A Muga rearer, on an average, can earn a net income of Rs. 17005.62 over prime cost, Rs. 15,149.64 over Cost A1 and Rs. 12,341.37 over Cost C respectively from one acre of Som plantation. Seasonal distribution of returns show that the Muga fanners obtain highest return from Kotia and Chotua rearing seasons and the lowest return is received in Bhodia season. Rearers of Dinahata-1 block are found to be more efficient in tenns perfonnance of productivity compared to the rearers of Coochbehar-11 block. This is thought to happen mainly due to the relatively better managerial ability of the rearers of Dinhata-1 block and relatively less distance (within 65 mts) of Muga (Som) garden from the residence. Estimates of return reveals that a rupee investment in the Kotia, the main commercial season of Muga silk wonn rearing, a Muga rearer can earn Rs. 2. 70 and is found to have a very good economic prospect. It has capacity to afford better livelihood opportunity.
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