How to Become a Sericulturist

About Sericulturist

Sericulture is one of the career options where the scope for employment in government and private sector is high. The career options in this field are never-ending due to the constant production, manufacturing and selling of silk clothes. A person who deals with the rearing of silkworms and techniques associated with the manufacturing of raw silk is called a Sericulturist. The raw silk is further processed into silk clothes and products.

As the Sericulturist deals with the rearing of silkworms, the individual is involved in the cultivation and rearing of silkworms on plant leaves for extraction of raw silk fibres from them.  They keep minute details of the larval stage to the cocoon stage of a silkworm.

The job role of a Sericulturist requires manual, physical and mental abilities. The individual must have good stamina, focus and must give attention to every detail that involves rearing of the silkworm. All the details about the career options that are available for Sericulturists can be checked here along with the details on eligibility, job roles, average salary etc.

Eligibility to become Sericulturist

The academic qualification to pursue a career as a Sericulturist is as follows: -

• The candidate must have passed Class 12th in Science stream,
•  He/ She must hold an undergraduate degree in sericulture or equivalent discipline.
•  Candidates must have a postgraduate degree in sericulture or equivalent discipline for better career opportunity and growth.

How and When to Start?

If your interest is to become a professional in the field of sericulture, you will have to start right from the Class 12^th. You will have to choose Science (PCB) stream in Class 12^th as Biology is mandatory subjects for a UG course in Sericulture. After passing 12^th, choose B.Sc course in Sericulture, which is the most advisable options rather than picking up Agriculture courses and then opting Sericulture at M.Sc level. After graduation, you can apply for various openings in the government and private sector. Most states conduct Group 2 exams for the recruitment of Sericulturists.

Types of Job Roles Sericulturist

Candidates interested in pursuing a career in the silk industry or silkworm rearing can check the list of some of the job roles here: -

Sericulturist

A Sericulturist is involved in the cultivating the plants, rearing of silkworms and analysing of various stages of silkworm like young larvae to cocoon with proper care. An individual undergoes proper training of silkworm rearing before He/ She become a professional as a Sericulturist.

Sericulture Researcher

A Sericulture Researcher works with the central or state institutes to perform research and development associated with the sericulture industry. A candidate who holds a PhD degree in sericulture or equivalent is involved in R&D.

Sericulture Assistant

A Sericulture Assistant works closely with the team to ensure that all work processes associated with sericulture are functioning smoothly.

Sericulture Professor

A Sericulture Professor is hired at a higher education institute offering courses related to sericulture. The candidate must hold a master’s degree in sericulture or equivalent to become a professor.

Employment Sector for Sericulturists

A  Sericulturist can find job role in the following sectors: -

• Central Government organization
• State Government Organization
• Private Firm
• Academic Institutes
• Research Institutes

Top Recruiting Organizations for Sericulturists

Following is the list of organizations that hires a Sericulturist: -

• Central Sericultural Research and Training
•  Andhra Pradesh Department of Sericulture
• Directorate of Sericulture & Weaving, Government of Meghalaya
• Handloom, Handicrafts, Textiles & Khadi Departments, Government of Tamil Nadu
• Central Silk Board

Pay Scale/Salary of Sericulturist

A Sericulturist can expect a starting salary of Rs 15,000 per month in public or government organizations. The pay scale may be high in private organizations, specifically the Textile Industry. The salary scale increases with the number of experience in the industry.  

Source: Indian Mirror

Books & Study Material to Become Sericulturist

Following are some of the good books related to Sericulture:

• Sericulture Hardcover by J. P. A. Shankar R. Reddy
• An Introduction To Sericulture by Ganga G
•  A Textbook on Introduction to Sericulture and Soil Science by Dr. Muzafar Ahmad Bhat et al.
• Sericulture by Amardev Singh, Ravinder Kumar

Pros of becoming a Sericulturist

• Silk industry plays an eminent role in the economy of India and demand for silk products is high in the country. Sericulturists are needed for rearing of silkworms for the production of silk. 
• The scope of government jobs is high.
• Scope of research in cultivation and silkworm rearing is high.

Cons of becoming a Sericulturist

• The job role of a Sericulturist requires manual work.
• The individual must have good eyesight and have steadiness.
• Working hours may be longer