Silk waste turns into handicrafts

Tirupati: As MSc sericulture students of Sri Padmavathi Mahila Visvavidyalayam (SPMVV), they are not only acquiring degree at the end of their course but going out of the campus with much self-confidence and entrepreneurial skills which could make them self-reliant.

The department was established with an aim of enhancing the skills and employability of the girl students. As a part of their curriculum itself, the faculty has been training the students and taping their creativity in making wide range of cocoon and silk handicrafts and jewellery, which brings out the innate talent among them. They were being trained not only in making the more and more innovative cocoon and silk handicrafts but also in identifying the marketing channels.

Though, confined to market their products within the campus itself for the present, they are planning in a big way with full-fledged marketing methods. The faculty is even exploring the possibilities of online marketing soon. Speaking to The Hans India Prof G Savithri of Sericulture department said, “We are contemplating with the idea of marketing the value added products of sericulture prepared by the students and scholars through on-line using our University website.

So far, the response was very encouraging as all the products are being bought by SPMMV family as they proved to be the best gifts for any occasion”. The products are being displayed in exhibitions held in the campus on various occasions and soon they want to take them out of the campus also for marketing. The faculty of the department were training the students to produce wide range of precious and elegant handmade products by using waste cocoons and silk generated in the process of silk production.

Though the preparation of these handicrafts is simple, yet it requires some talent and that will be taught by the experienced faculty. Another member of the faculty Prof P Sujathamma has said that by acquiring experience it turns out to be a profitable job for rural as well as urban people. “Even, for housewives and youth with tinge of creativity to earn additional income at the free time this would be of great alternative which can be done simply by watching TV or chatting with friends,” she maintained. The transition of silk cocoon and silk waste to a range of exquisite products like cocoon garlands, greeting cards, flower bouquets, wall hangings, gift articles, toys etc., will be a promising self-employment prospective and a boon to women of all ages.

Keeping in view the importance of jewellery in the culture and heritage, the students have been trained in preparing silk made jewellery which will be a perfect blend of creativity, eco-friendly, elegant and above all cost effective. “Students have been very enthusiastic in learning the skills and making good products. The prices of various products range from Rs 200 to 1,200 depending on variety, size, frame etc., and being sold on no loss no profit basis for now,” Prof Savithri asserted.

BY V Pradeep Kumar