Sericulture is the process of cultivating silkworms and extracting silk from them. The caterpillars of the domestic silk moth (also called ‘Bombyx mori”) are the most commonly used silkworm species in sericulture. India is the world’s second largest producer of silk. Karnataka state is the country’s largest silkproducing state, more than a million people earn their livelihood by making silk. The cocoon produced from silk as a waste in round and dumble shapes are usually discarded as waste or burnt away. The aim was to develop entrepreneurship through value addition from cocoon transforming it into valuable bio-craft would be the worthy option to earn subsidiary income for the farm families by the farm women and SHGs. The ICAR Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chikkaballapura conducted Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) on pierced cocoon bio-craft by selecting Self Help Group (SHG) of 20 farm women and method demonstrated on decorative cutting, garlands, wall hangings, frames, vases and bouquets preparation, dyeing, pricing of each product and also a Bio-craft unit was established. The advertisement of the developed products was conducted through stalling in district and state level Krishi melas. Within a span of 2 years, the unit was able to draw an income of Rs. 75,100 per month by marketing the products to formal and informal ceremonies. The unit has also stretched its market in the metropolitan city like Bengaluru. The have boosted up the confidence or the farm women in taking up this as a home scale enterprise. The Grameen bank has lent its financial support to the group, by this they are setting high standards in the field of value addition.

Cocoon Bio Craft; Entrepreneurship; Value Addition; EDP and SHGs

Bhavana A, Gayathri B, Manjunatha R (2024) Value Unveiled: Pierced Cocoon’s Artful Entrepreneurship. JSM Environ Sci Ecol 12(1): 1090.

Many people believe that South Asia has some of the worst conditions for women worldwide. Marginalized women experience not only gender discrimination but also povertyrelated hardships and frequently discrimination based on caste or ethnicity. These concerns have gained traction in India thanks to the country’s growing civil society and democratic culture, and women’s “empowerment” is now universally recognized as a crucial endeavor. As a result, both government and non government actors have designed and implemented empowering tactics in development intervention.

In India, Self-Help Group (SHG) projects have become the most widely adopted approach to women’s empowerment. Although it is just one of many goals of SHG initiatives, women’s empowerment is now a major justification for SHG growth and replication. Furthermore, other empowering tactics used by government and non-government actors have been replaced due to the purported efficacy of SHGs in empowering women [1]. An average programme SHGs are made up of ten to fifteen members who get together on a regular basis to decide on loans, debate social concerns and events, and put a small amount into a shared account. There are four sources of loans: grants from the programme under a “Community Investment Fund” (CIF), commercial banks, internal savings, and other line departments. The prior emphasis on microcredit was broadened to address the needs of the underprivileged. This included the supply of insurance, in-kind credit for food, and empowerment of the most marginalized individuals.

Beginning in 2002, the programme has supported the federated Self-Help Groups (SHGs) at the village level, which progressively assumed responsibility for the public distribution scheme’s subsidised food grain distribution from commercial operators who had neglected to make it accessible to the intended recipients. Apart from enhancing food accessibility and risk mitigation, this provided a means of drawing in new members. In addition, it was anticipated that offering grain as an in-kind credit would aid in the development of a discipline involving regular attendance at meetings, saving, and (re)payment.

The technique of raising silkworms and harvesting silk from them is known as sericulture. The most widely employed silkworm species in sericulture are the caterpillars of the domestic silk moth, generally known as “Bombyx mori.” India is the second-largest silk producer in the world. The greatest silkproducing state in the nation is Karnataka, where over a million people make silk as a living. The waste round and dumble-shaped cocoons made from silk are typically burned or thrown away [2]. The pupae that remain after the silk cocoons are mostly employed to produce silk; they are sporadically used as fertilizer, animal feed, or oil extraction. Crafts can be made from the cut and faulty cocoons that are produced by the grainage business and the cocoon market. Handcrafted goods are manufactured by hand from unprocessed native materials with the aid of conventional creative instruments or even some basic machinery for creativity or design. Handcrafted goods are appealing, reasonably priced presents with aesthetic value [3].

Items crafted from cocoons have an aesthetic appeal and hold their lustre for years. One of the fascinating uses for by products that will allow for the development of human talents in addition to providing opportunities for self-employment and income generation is the visually appealing craft of cocoon crafts [4]. In light of this, a two-year programme for the development of entrepreneurship focused on value addition to pierced cocoons was conducted (2019–2020, 2020–2021).

Procurement of Cut Cocoons

The cut and pierced cocoons that are offered by the Silkworm Seed Production Centre in Chintamani are sold at a very low price to spun silk enterprises since they are in no way reel-able. These chopped cocoon byproducts are predicted to contribute up to 30% more value to the mulberry post-cocoon industries. Similar to raw silk reeling from quality cocoons, the aforementioned cocoons can be expertly used with excellent management in cocoon craft.

Location

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chikkaballapura district undertaken a Entrepreneurship development Program (EDP) through pierced cocoons biocraft. The EDP was approved by an Action Plan Committee of ICAR. The EDP was undertaken in Chintamani village, Chintamani taluk, Chikkaballapura district. It is one of the cluster village selected for implementation of activities of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chikkaballapura for the year 2019-2021. The supported activities conducted in the village are described below.

Socio Demographic Profile

The general information such age categorized into three groups: 21-25, 26-35 and 36-40 years, education status as illiterates, primary, secondary, high school, occupation classified as house wife and labour, family type as nuclear or joint and family income were noted [5].

Trainings and Demonstrations

The trainings were concentrated on processing, method demonstration, dyeing, packaging and labelling and also marketing of pierced cocoon biocraft was conducted. In total, 20 farm women were selected for detailed skill development training in processing and value addition. Secondly, intensive valueadded products trials were done by conducting on campus and off campus trainings and selected the suitable products having commercial potential for income generation and to facilitate enterprise building by the farm women. Further training was also imparted to these farm women on awareness on cut cocoon waste management, handling of processing and value addition unit, dyeing and maintaining hygienic practices labeling, packing and also financial management. Besides, these women were also sensitized for the linkage development and marketing skills.

Materials Required for Crafting

Cut and pierced cocoons, the fundamental raw material, are available in government grainages and cocoon markets. These are cut open at one end, and the cap and body of the cocoon that are thus produced can also be used to prepare handcrafted products. In addition to the heater needed for cocoon dyeing, the other items include scissors, zig-zag scissors, blades, cotton thread, cardboard, drawing sheets, needles, fabric glue, craft paper, glaze paper, velvet paper, adhesive tape, colour tape, stapler, plastic ornamental material, soft binding wire, beads, chemical dyes, and dyeing vessel. Water colours and fabric paint can also be used to create cocoon crafts.

Dyeing Process

An essential step in the manufacture of cocoon handicrafts, colouring or dying provides the cocoons a charming appearance and colour. Natural colours for the dyeing of cocoons are preferable since they will highlight the artist’s originality and add value to the creation. The silk yarn and cloth are also coloured using chemical dyes. When dying the cocoons, soft water is preferable because hard water uses more colour and can cause uneven colouring.

After boiling the water, add the appropriate amount of colour powder. One Kg of cocoon dye requires about 100 gm of dye. The dye powder is first mixed with 100 ml of hot water, stirring constantly to prevent clumps from forming, and then the dye solution is filtered. To ensure even colour mixing, add this dye solution to the boiling water and stir constantly. Next, submerge the deflossed, double-rejected, and clean cocoons in this mixture. Continue stirring it until the dipped cocoons absorb colour uniformly. Cocoons should only be dipped up to a temperature of 50°C; any greater temperature will affect the sericin concentration, giving the dyed cocoons a distorted appearance. To prevent its colour from fading, the coloured cocoon should then be taken out of the solution and let to dry in a single layer in the shade exclusively. The material from the dyed cocoon is now prepared to be made into the required items.

Cocoon Craft Products

Pierced Cocoon Flower

* Cut the cocoon into the shape of petals, so that each cocoon has three or four petals.

* Arrange three to four chopped cocoons into the shape of a flower.

* Next, secure the petals with adhesive.

* After drying the flower cocoons, place a soft decorative needle into the core of each one..

* Tie a knot or wire at the top and bottom of the flower to serve as its stalk.

* Cut the additional green-dyed cocoons into leaf shapes.

* Next, arrange these leaves to create a natural leafy effect surrounding the bloom

Pierced Cocoon Bouquet

* Arrange approximately 25 to 50 bundles of distinct coloured cocoon flowers in the form of a floral arrangement.

* The size and design of the bouquet to be made determine how many flower cocoons are needed.

* Next, wrap it in a clear sheet and then a glittery craft paper to make it look like a bouquet.

Pierced Cocoon Garland

* Using zigzag scissors, snip the open end of the “cut cocoon.” Stitch or fasten five to six of these cocoons together, securing the ends firmly.

* To create the appearance of a garland, a thicker thread can be used to sew an even larger circle of cocoons. Multi-coloured cocoons can be used to add elegance to the garland’s appearance.

* Approximately 500-600 cocoons are needed to prepare the garland that has a hefty, bouncy appearance. Garlands made of cocoon flowers appear more elegant and endure for many years.

Other Pierced Cocoons’ Decorative Items

Utilising discarded deformed/rejected cocoons and cocoon by-products, little gift/decoration items such as key chains, ear rings, colourful birds, or any other objects of aesthetic value that will display the creative skill of workmanship, can be created and designed. The cocoons are divided into tiny pieces according to different patterns, which are then put together to create certain forms and adhered on craft, velvet, or drawing paper. Once the last artistic touches are added, the fancy product is ready to be given as a gift or placed in a glass frame.

Establishment of Processing Unit

To bring systemization and regular production there was a need for establishment of their own processing unit for preparation of exclusively cut cocoon-based biocraft products. Hence a plan was developed for establishment of processing unit with minimum necessary machineries.

Pre and Post Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Test

The pre and post Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) test was conducted based on structured questionnaire where it included questions related to awareness on cocoon waste, cocoon bio-craft, branding, marketing and profit analysis.

Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis was conducted using suitable statistical tools.

The socio-demographic profile of the farm women engaged in processing and value addition of tamarind is presented in (Table 1).

Table 1: Socio demographic profile of the farm women in self-help group.

The age profile indicated that majority of farm women belonged to the age group of 26-35 years (60%) followed by 21- 25 years (25%). With respect to literacy, 45 per cent of women were educated up to high school level followed by secondary education level (30%) and 25 per cent were illiterates. The occupation pattern indicated that (50%) of them were farm laboures and housewives (50%). Most of these women were having two children (80%). The results also showed that 70 per cent of families were nuclear [6]. Conducted a study revealed that majory of the farm women in the study were house wives and had 45,000 to 65,000 as the annual income of the family (Figure1,2).

Figure 1: Study Design

Figure 2: Awareness Activities

The (Table 2) depicts the critical inputs provided to the self-help group after the training program for unit establishment and also it is the initial investment for the firm.

Table 2: Critical Inputs for the training program.

These inputs not only provide raw materials but also the products sold made out of this raw materials will provide the financial assistance to take forward the firm and decrease the pressure of liabilities on the farm women. The provision of raw materials includes pierced cocoons from Silkworm seed production centre, Chintamani designer scissors and miscellaneous in bulk from the wholesale market helped for further purchase of raw materials.

Establishment of Dyeing and Pierced Cocoon Biocraft Unit

After acquainting with processing, preparation of value added products and packing, 20 farm women of Chintamani village, with the leadership of Ms. Triveni came forward to take up pierced cocoons’ biocraft as an entrepreneur activity is depicted in the (Table 3-5).

Table 3: Entrepreneurial activities of the SHG.

Table 4: Economics of entrepreneurship development through pierced cocoons’ biocraft

Table 5: Analysis of Knowledge Attitude and Practices towards pierced cocoons biocraft.

Under technical guidance of Krishi Vigyan Kendra through EDP on “Entrepreneurship development through pierced cocoons’ biocraft” with the brand name “Sneha Cocoon Biocraft Unit” they established a home-scale dyeing and value addition unit. For establishment of the unit first they procured a building having a unit area of 1500 square feet and then they purchased and installed the necessary raw materials and driers. With the assistance of Krishi Vigyan Kendra they marketed the decorative items prepared from pierced cocoons. The paper aimed to investigate the opinion of 30 designers on the use of silk cocoons as raw material for creating products of decorative and handicraft art. The answers have pointed out that the most designers are interested to use silk cocoons in order to process, color and design as such or in combination with other materials, using mainly the manual method which involves creativity, the setting up of unique original products, reflecting the material warmth ad beauty. The main achievable products of silk cocoons in the designers’ opinion, in their order of importance, are: decorative pictures on a specific theme (80%), sewed belts (50%), colored necklaces (46.6%) and floral brooches (33.3%) [7].

The pierced cocoons’ biocraft products were first commercialized by marketing through Krishi Vigyan Kendra market outlet introduced to some provision stores in Chintamani. Later they were made to participate in various exhibitions organized by Agricultural Universities, State departments and NGOs. To expand their market network. Presently, they are involved in preparation and marketing of pierced cocoons’ biocraft products under the registered brand name of “Sneha Cocoon Biocraft Unit”, pierced cocoons’ biocraft products and selling them through their own provision store, Krishi Vigyan Kendra outlet, and provisional stores in Chintamani, Chikkaballapura, Bangalore and mobile sales van arranged by the Department of Women and Child Welfare, Chikkaballapura. Among all the developed products garlands and bouquets were very frequently purchased (15 Kgs each) yielding monthly income of Rs. 22,500 and Rs. 27,000 followed by vases (10 Kgs) and wall hangings (8 Kgs) profiting Rs. 16,000 and Rs. 9,600. The overall monthly production of the products is around 50-55 kgs with a net profit of around Rs. 75,100/- and cost benefit ratio of 1.525. The study conducted by Kaul and Pandey, [8] revealed that handicrafts are hand made products prepared from raw indigenous material using traditional artistic tools or even some simple machinery in its designing/innovation. Handicraft products are catchy, cost effective objects of gift and decorative value. In Jammu and Kashmir State, as a result of rearing of 30 lakh DFLs during 2013-2014, about 5000 kg cut/pierced mulberry silkworm cocoons have been produced in silkworm seed production centre grainages. These cocoons being non reelable, hence, are disposed off to spun silk industries at a very low rate.

However, it is estimated that these cut cocoon byproducts could lead to a value addition upto 30.0% in mulberry post cocoon sector if utilized skillfully with effective management in cocoon crafting, besides, raw silk reeling from good cocoons. Cocoon crafting is an art of designing of some handicraft products like flowers, bouquets, garlands, greeting cards and other artistically designed fancy items. These can be decorated in our homes and work places to add to its aesthetic look. Cocoon crafted flowers can be used as ornamentals. Cocoon crafting can be taken as a commercial activity particularly by women folk of low socio-economic status and in turn bargain good economic return, simply utilizing cut/pierced cocoon waste with their creative skill. If development/designing of cocoon handicrafts is taken as a commercial activity, it will attract attention of huge number of local masses, thereby boosting up their revenue returns and value addition in sericulture through handicraft market.

The Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) pre and post test evaluation was conducted to create awareness on pierced cocoon biocraft, where the parameters on waste management, cocoon biocraft, branding, marketing and profit analysis were included in the structured questionnaire of 25 questions, 5 questions each from each parameter. The pre and post test revealed that the trainees had 5-15 per cent KAP results in the beginning of the entrepreneurship development program. Whereas, it was observed that there was drastic improvement in the post KAP test resulted in 85-100 per cent improvement which gave the clear and confident path to pierced cocoon biocraft as an home scale occupation.

The value-added products, were first commercialized by the SHGs during the Krishi Mela (farmers’ fair) festival held on 2020- 2021 October, 2021 at the UAS Campus, Bangalore and then at Chikkaballapura where district witnessed a large participation of both rural and urban people. As a result of increasing demand of the products, these are now sold in retail outlets of Chintamani, general stores and in formal and informal ceremonies under the brand name established by the SHG (Sneha Cocoon bio-craft). In an overall estimation has been found that Rs. 75,100 per month is the profit obtained. The cost-benefit ratio (1.52) of the enterprise indicates that it is economically viable and sustainable. From these data, it is evident that as a result of the interventions, the skills, self-confidence and leadership enhanced through the training courses played an important role in boosting the income generating activities and played a huge role in eradicating poverty. 

The craft of creating handcrafted things like as wall hangings, bouquets, garlands, greeting cards, and other elaborately designed items is known as cocoon crafting. To improve the aesthetic appeal of our homes and workplaces, we can decorate them. By combining their artistic abilities with the waste from cut or pierced cocoons, women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds can transform cocoon manufacturing into a profitable endeavour. The creation and design of cocoon handicrafts will draw the interest of a large number of locals if they approach it as a business venture. This will increase their additional revenue returns and value addition in sericulture through the handicraft market.

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