A comparative analysis on the multivoltine and bivoltine seed cocoon markets in Karnataka

Introduction

Sericulture is a comprehensive agro-based industry that integrates host plant cultivation and silkworm rearing to produce the cocoons required for raw silk. Mulberry sericulture is a land-based, eco-friendly economic activity that is labor-intensive and provides a good return to farmers. It plays a very important role in the socio-economic upliftment of the rural population (Sreenivasa BT and Hiriyanna, 2014) [10] . Owing to its low capital requirement and high labor absorption potential, the sector plays a critical role in strengthening rural economies (Soundarya et al., 2022) [11] . Often referred to as the silk bowl of the country, Karnataka sustains cocoon production activity throughout the year across all its districts (Choudannanavar BK, 2015) [2] . The state has well-established multivoltine and bivoltine seed areas. They cater to the demand for parental seed cocoons required for the production of Cross Breed (CB) and Bivoltine (BV) hybrid disease-free layings (DFLs) (Chandrashekar and Satish, 2022) [3] . To support this extensive production, Karnataka relies on a network of regulated seed cocoon markets. Seed cocoon markets in Karnataka are broadly classified into multivoltine and bivoltine markets, reflecting differences in silkworm races, production objectives and end-use demand. Multivoltine seed cocoons are generally preferred for their adaptability and year-round availability, whereas bivoltine seed cocoons are highly valued for their superior silk quality and export-oriented raw silk production, despite facing certain constraints in the adoption of improved technologies (Kumaresan et al., 2019) [6] . These economic and biological differences lead to noticeable variations in transaction volumes, price behavior, infrastructure requirements and farmer participation across the two market types. Previous studies from South India have reported significant seasonal price swings driven by changing weather patterns, supply shifts and varying degrees of market integration (Ramesh, 2015; Halagundegowda et al., 2024) [8,5] . For these markets to function efficiently and ensure farmers get fair prices across different regions, strong spatial integration and clear price transmission are essential (Reddy et al., 2018; Halagundegowda et al., 2021) [9,4] . Furthermore, the technology-driven e-auction platforms have effectively eliminated traditional market malpractices, leading to fair price discovery and providing equal market access for all the farmers (Chandrashekar and Satish, 2022) [3] . However, while existing research offers great insights into general production economics and commercial reeling cocoons, there is a major research gap regarding seed cocoon markets. To safeguard farmers from the exploitation of middlemen and private market operators, the Government of Karnataka enacted "The Karnataka Silkworm Seed, Cocoon and Silk Yarn (Regulation of Production, Supply, Distribution and Sale) Act, 1959". Accordingly, all www.extensionjournal.com activities of silk & cocoon are done under the shadow of this Act (Choudannanavar BK, 2015) [2] . Therefore, the present study was undertaken to comparatively analyze the seed cocoon markets with the following objectives: 1. To study the socio-economic profile and agronomic practices of the farmers. 2. To evaluate the transaction processes and market capacity of multivoltine and bivoltine seed cocoon markets. 3. To comparatively analyze the price behavior and institutional linkages.

Methodology 2.1 Study Area

For the present study, eight government-regulated seed cocoon markets were purposively selected from Karnataka to compare their operational characteristics. These included four multivoltine markets (Magadi, Kunigal, Huliyurdurga and Santhemavathur) and four bivoltine markets (Hassan, K. R. Pete, Bengaluru and Tumkur).

Sampling Procedure

From the selected markets, a total respondents of 80 seed cocoon farmers was selected using a purposive sampling technique. This comprised 40 farmers from multivoltine markets and 40 farmers from bivoltine markets to ensure equal representation for comparison.

Data Collection and Analysis

The primary data for the study was collected directly from the farmers during 2023-2024 through the personal interview method with the aid of a structured questionnaire.

The data covered various factors such as age, educational status, agronomic practices, transaction volumes and pricing. Secondary data regarding market infrastructure and transaction capacity were collected from market officials, the Department of Sericulture. Finally, the collected data were tabulated and analyzed using descriptive statistics and percentages.

Results and Discussion

Socio-Economic and Agronomic Profiles of Farmers

The socio-economic characteristics of farmers play a decisive role in their decision-making and technology adoption (Manjunatha et al., 2020) [7] . Across both systems, seed cocoon production is primarily driven by experienced, middle-aged farmers (41-45 years). Educational levels vary slightly; secondary education is common among multivoltine (MV) farmers (27.5%), a key determinant in absorbing scientific practices (Soundarya et al., 2022) [11] , whereas bivoltine (BV) farmers generally hold high school (25%) or secondary (25%) qualifications. Both groups are overwhelmingly marginal to small-scale producers, with the majority cultivating 1 to 2 acres of mulberry garden (47.5% in MV; 52.5% in BV).

Sericulture Practices and Technology Adoption

Agronomic practices show strong similarities across both regions. Farmers heavily prefer bush-type mulberry plantations (85% MV; 90% BV), supported mainly by borewell irrigation (62.5% MV; 65% BV) and DAP fertilizer applications (45% MV; 42.5% BV). For leaf harvesting, the shoot method is widely adopted (70% MV; 62.5% BV) over individual leaf plucking due to labor savings and moisture preservation. Cropping intensity differs slightly: MV farmers typically harvest 6-7 crops annually, while BV farmers average 5-6 crops. Regarding technology, government subsidies are mostly utilized for constructing rearing houses (38.3% MV; 40.6% BV), while the uptake of specialized rearing equipment remains significantly low (11.8% MV; 10.3% BV).

Market Capacity and Transaction Volumes

An agricultural market's efficiency depends heavily on its handling capacity and farmer participation (Halagundegowda et al., 2021) [4] . Magadi emerged as the top MV market, recording 1,050 active farmers, 10 lots processed daily and an average volume of 400 kg/day (4,700 kg/year). Tumkur leads the BV sector, accommodating 1,450 farmers, handling 13 lots and processing 400 kg/day (6,055 kg/year). To preserve cocoon quality and minimize transit meltage when reaching these markets, 50% of producers across both the MV and BV systems rely on private vehicles.

Price Behavior and Financial Safety

Economically, BV cocoons consistently command higher average prices (Rs. 1,300-1,800/kg) compared to MV cocoons (Rs. 1,200-1,600/kg), reflecting stronger commercial demand. However, defective (jaali) cocoons cause a big drop in price, falling to averages of Rs. 200-280/kg in MV markets and Rs. 180-258/kg in BV markets. To overcome these financial losses, the government provides an incentive of Rs. 120/kg for yields exceeding 33 kg per 100 DFLs. Furthermore, if cocoons that don't meet the standard are moved to reeling, farmers receive an additional Rs. 225/kg subsidy.

Institutional Linkages, Seasonality and Payments

Major markets have dense institutional support networks, though spatial disparities exist. Magadi (MV) has 20 Government Grainages and 120 Licensed Seed Producers (LSPs). In contrast, Tumkur (BV) has 22 grainages, while Hassan (BV) connects to 20 LSPs. Transaction volumes across two types of markets peak during the rainy season (55% MV; 50% BV) due to optimal mulberry foliage growth. Finally, payment methods have successfully modernized; online bank transfers now account for 90% of transactions in Magadi (MV) and up to 100% in Hassan (BV). While this digital shift ensures transparent compensation and eliminates historical malpractices (Chandrashekar and Satish, 2022) [3] , While this digital shift ensures fair pay and stops past dishonest practices, fixing delayed payment settlements remains a priority for the government. www.extensionjournal.com

Conclusion

This comparative study of Karnataka's seed cocoon markets shows that while bivoltine cocoons consistently fetch higher prices, farmers in both the multivoltine and bivoltine sectors face very similar challenges. Across both markets, a farmer's background such as their education, experience and farm size directly affects how well they adopt new technology and produce cocoons. Both groups deal with huge price drops for defective (jaali) cocoons and sudden daily price changes. To stop traders from exploiting them, the regulated markets provide important support measures, like fitness certification, a Rs. 120/kg production incentive and a Rs. 225/kg diversion subsidy. Despite these supports and the good shift toward online payments, farmers still face problems like transit damage (meltage) during travel, delayed payments and poor infrastructure in low-volume markets. To fix these issues, the government needs to upgrade the facilities in these specific centers. Overall, Magadi and Tumkur showed the most positive results for the multivoltine and bivoltine seed cocoon markets across the study. Ultimately, government interventions to balance cocoon prices with market supply and demand will ensure better economic stability for the farmers.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this research work.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgementsThe authors would like to thank their research guide, Dr. R. S. Umakanth and the Department of Studies in Sericulture Science, University of Mysore, Mysuru, for providing the technical support and guidance essential for carrying out this research work. We also wish to thank the officers, staff and participating farmers across the selected seed cocoon markets in Karnataka for their help and cooperation during the field visits and data collection process.

References

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