Mulberry cultivation proves to be fruitful option in drought-prone areas

Husnabad: Silkworm rearing and mulberry cultivation has improved the fortunes of a farmer belonging to Siddipeta district. Mulberry cultivation has good potential even when water resources are limited. It emerged as a safe option for small and marginal farmers. Moreover, the area under mulberry cultivation is increasing with each day.

The farmer, Hamsa Reddy of Ummapur village in Husnabad mandal switched over from paddy, chili and cotton to cultivation of mulberry after observing the depleted level of water in the bore well and perceiving the prevailing drought situation. With Rs 1.20 lakh government subsidy he raised a shed to rear silk-worms. He procured nets, trays and bleaching power from the subsidy.

Mulberry does not require much irrigation facility. Wetting the field once in five days will do. Hamsa Reddy also installed drip-irrigation equipment with state government support. He is harvesting nine to ten times a year. He is cultivating the crop using only organic fertilisers. Mulberry planted once can be harvested for 20 years.

Each time he harvests the crop he earns at least Rs 50,000-60,000. Harvesting eight crops a year will net him at least Rs 4 lakh, while his investment is only Rs 2 lakh on the crop. Hamsa Reddy also advises farmers with scarce water resources to take up mulberry cultivation.

By C H SRINIVAS