Economic Impact And Gender Empowerment Through Sericulture: A Case Study Of Aibawk Circle, Aizawl, Mizoram

Abstract

Sericulture, rearing of silkworm and planting of mulberry have great potential to uplift the rural economy in Mizoram, especially in ecologically favorable areas of Aibawk Circle in Aizawl district. Although sericulture in Mizoram could diversify income and empower women, this practice is on a declining trend, with most families dropping out of the system on account of systemic difficulties. This paper fills in an important research gap by looking at not only the economic aspect of sericulture but also the gender aspect and sustainability in a transitional rural economy. Purposive sampling was used to carry out household surveys in 5 villages in Aibawk Circle. Data analysis was performed by descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression. The results indicate that even though sericulture requires additional income, helps in resilience, and involves both males and females, it has a marginal economic impact. The social diversities of women are extensive in the labour-intensive activities, but there is no empowerment in their decision-making. The main obstacles are the lack of access to mulberry leaves and the low prices of cocoon, which discourage families. The findings suggest that sericulture has the potential to be a more viable livelihood practice, provided structural constraints are mitigated and this has implications for the policy of rural development and empowerment programs targeting women in Mizoram.