Sericulture in Nepal
Sericulture and silk production in Nepal has a history spanning over 25 years. Nepali Silk, produced from Bi-voltine silkworms in the sub-tropical hilly regions, is of high quality compared to multi-voltine silkworms from tropical regions. The process involves cultivating food plants for silkworms, rearing them to spin silk cocoons, and reeling the cocoons for silk filaments, which are then processed and woven.
History and Development
• 1911: Introduction of mulberry sericulture by Rana Prime Minister Chandra Shamsher.
• 1940: Exhibition on silkworm rearing by Rana Prime Minister Judha Shamsher.
• 1950: Mulberry saplings planted in Godawari.
• 1953-54: Sericulture initiated by Cottage Industry Department.
• 1967-73: Feasibility studies by Japanese and Korean experts identified Nepal’s potential for high-quality silk production.
• 1989: FAO experts recommended suitable technologies and infrastructure.
• 1998: UNDP launched Sericulture for Rural Development Program in seven districts.
Supporting Organizations
• DANIDA: Supporting poverty reduction through sericulture in Makawanpur and Tanahun.
• (I)NGOs: Focus on social and economic empowerment, sustainable livelihood, land degradation control, and environmental care.
Suitable Regions for Sericulture
• Central Midlands and Mid Hills: Altitudes from 750 to 1500 meters.
• Terai and Inner Terai: Altitudes from 100 to 750 meters.
Interesting Facts about Silk
• Silk has a much lower density than cotton, wool, and nylon.
• Silk cocoons consist of a single raw fiber approximately 1 km long.
• Mulberry silkworms feed exclusively on mulberry leaves.
• The finest quality mulberry silk comes from Bombyx Mori, meaning “mulberry tree silk caterpillar.”
• Silk textile strength is as strong as steel, making it the strongest natural fiber in the world – 30 times stronger than cotton.