Climate-Resilient Sericulture: Challenges, Prospects, and Opportunities in Temperate Mulberry Silk Production
摘要
Sericulture holds significant economic and cultural importance in many climatic regions including temperate zones. However, silk production is highly subjective to environmental conditions that affect the quality of leaves and cocoon production. The magnitude of climatic change is higher in temperate silk producing regions due to its higher sensitivity and vulnerable nature. Key factors contributing to this vulnerability include temperature fluctuations, altered precipitation patterns, and increased pest incidences, all of which significantly hinder sustainable silk production by impacting the growth and health of both silkworms and mulberry plants. To address these challenges, exploring and implementing climate-smart-sericulture options is crucial. This approach involves developing resilient mulberry varieties, and heat-tolerant silkworm breeds, optimizing mulberry cultivation practices, development and popularization of drought-resistant varieties/breeds and improved irrigation schedules. These strategies can mitigate impacts of climate change and enhance the resilience of temperate sericulture. Additionally, integrating agroforestry practices, and organic farming techniques can reduce the carbon footprint of sericulture, enhance biodiversity and promote environmental sustainability. Advanced technologies, including remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and precision agriculture, play a vital role in improving resource efficiency and reducing waste. Biotechnology advancements, such as genetically modified mulberry plants with enhanced pest and disease resistance, can further align sericulture with sustainable agricultural practices. Despite these promising strategies, challenges persist, particularly for smallholder farmers who often lack access to necessary resources and knowledge. Therefore, capacity-building initiatives and supportive policies are essential to ensure widespread adoption of sustainable sericulture practices. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the sericulture industry can navigate the climate change challenges and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.