Abstract

The paper analyses the scope of ericulture in Assam, India by theoretically and empirically examining its profitability and the excess capacity lies at the family farm level. Ericulture, is a traditional agro-based sericulture activity that has been playing a significant role in generating employment and income in a slowly progressing rural economy of Assam. Among all the major silk varieties, it occupies the prime position in the sericulture sector of Assam. Though it generates substantial income and employment each year especially for the rural poor masses, its growth has not been noticeably high as the potential. The analysis proved  the existence of substantial scope for enhancing the ericulture activities even at the existing level of technology and with little effort in the food leaves production and financial assistance, it may be expanded significantly that would generate further income and employment in rural Assam.  

Key words: Sericulture, ericulture, informal sector, excess capacity, Assam.