Ericulture: contributions to food and fibre production in Bangladesh
1982
Salam, A. (Bangladesh Sericulture Board, Rajshahi)
Ericulture refers to the rearing of eri or endi worms and production of endi cocoons only. Unlike the mulberry silk worm, the eri worm is polyphagous and can be fed with leaves of a variety of plants. Among other host plants available in Bangladesh, cassava was found suitable. An experiment with this was conducted at the Bangladesh Sericulture Research and Training Institute, Rajshahi. Sweet potato leaves can also be used, but this has not yet been proven profitable because eri worms fed on sweet potato leaves during the first three stages of growth require to be fed on castor, or cassava leaves at the final stages for maintaining the normal health and spining behaviour of the worm. Eri rearing, spining and weaving are mostly done by women in their leisure hours. The product makes a substantial contribution to the villagers' annual need of fabrics and income
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