Silk Farms of the Future: The Impact of Sericulture 4.0

Abstract

Asian countries have an abundance of natural fiber resources, but they have not been entirely utilized. From 2014 to 2020, there was millions annual disparity in pleasant national demand. A thorough analysis is required to improve utilization and economic potential. The study's goal was to show the availability, technological processing, and economical benefits of natural fibers. Collaborations between national R&D organizations, government policy makers, and academic institutions are critical for producing national bio-products based on home innovation and advancing the circular economy. Sericulture, meaning the art of silk manufacturing, is a complicated enterprise with important economic, social, and environmental implications. It all begins with mulberry agriculture, which includes silkworm rearing and fabric weaving. Sericulture provides long-term employment opportunities, particularly in rural regions where over 60 percent of the workforce is female. Mulberry agriculture and silkworm rearing are profitable investments, making this a significant business. Nutrition is necessary for the growth of silkworm Bombyx mori L, and high-quality mulberry leaves are required for optimal cocoon formation. Applying manures and bio-fertilizers after pruning can boost leaf production and enhance mulberry quality while preserving soil fertility. Bio-fertilizers, which contain live microorganisms, colonize the rhizosphere and stimulate growth by boosting the host plant's primary nutrition source. They are renewable plant nutrition sources that may be used in conjunction with chemical fertilizers. Mulberries require main nutrients from organic manures and bio-fertilizers, since organic manures promote soil microflora proliferation and supplement the crop with minor nutrients such as NPK. The interior micro-structure of cultivated and wild silkworm cocoons is investigated in this work using X-ray micro computed tomography (XCT). The data reveal that fiber widths rise from the inner to the outer layer, whereas fiber percentages initially drop. The fibers in various layers are better aligned to the cocoon's small diameter, which is advantageous for biomaterial development. The findings emphasize the relevance of knowing the interior microstructure of silkworm cocoons for biomaterial development.