DECLARATION

We do hereby declare that the Mini Project report entitled “COCOON QUALITY
ASSESSMENT AND IT’S IMPACT ON RAW SILK COST” is the outcome of project
work undertaken and carried out by us under the guidance of Mr. Divakar Y Bhat, Deputy
Director (Retd), Central Silk Board, Bengaluru, which we are Submitting for the award of
Bachelor of Technology in Textile Technology at Visvesvaraya Technological University,
Belgaum.
We also declare that the contents reported in this mini project work is our own work
and that, to the best of our knowledge and belief, it contains no material previously published
or written by another person nor material which has been accepted for the award of any other
Degree or Diploma of the University or other Institute of higher learning, except where due
acknowledgment has been made in the text.

1. Deekshith V
1SK22ST001
2. Hithashri S Gowda
1SK22ST002
3. Rakshitha N
1SK22ST003
4. Chandrika NS
1SK23ST400

i
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We wish to express our sincere gratitude to our Principal Dr. Venkatesh D Bemmathi,
Govt. S.K.S.J.T. Institute, Bangalore for his encouragement and the ample facilities offered
to us at the institution in carrying out this Mini Project report.

We wish to express my gratitude to Dr. Hanumanth Naik, Head of Department for

Textile/ Silk Technology, Govt. S.K.S.J.T. Institute, Bengaluru, for providing immense
support.

We are sincerely thankful to our external guide Mr. Divakar Y Bhat, Deputy Director
(Retd), Central Silk Board, Bengaluru, for helping and guiding us throughout this project
and making it successful.

We also thank the Senior Technical Assistant Mr. A C Bettarangaiah and Semi-
Skilled Labour Mr. Gopi M A for their Immense Support for us in Silk Technical Service
Centre of Ramanagara Silk Market. We also Thank Mr. Satyakumar, Market Incharge, Dept
of Sericulture, Mr. Syed Akhleem, a Reeler, Research Member in Ramanagara who extended
their broad support for our Mini-Project.

We extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Virupakshappa, Guest Faculty in Govt. SKSJTI,
Ms. Bindushree T M, 7th Semester Student in Dept. of Textiles, Govt. SKSJTI, our Parents,
and friends for their encouragement and co-operation throughout this Mini-Project report.

1. Deekshith V
1SK22ST001
2. Hithashree S Gowda
1SK22ST002
3. Rakshitha N
1SK22ST003
4. Chandrika NS
1SK23ST400

ii
 ABSTRACT
This mini project investigates the intricate relationship between cocoon quality assessment and
its consequent impact on the cost of Mulberry Bivoltine silk. As a vital component of the
sericulture industry, the quality of Bivoltine silk cocoons directly influences reeling efficiency
and the market value of raw silk, ultimately affecting the income of sericulture farmers.
Through analytical methods, including quantitative assessments of cocoon defects and the
application of innovative stifling techniques, this study aims to establish a comprehensive
framework for evaluating the quality of Mulberry Bivoltine cocoons. The research will explore
the economic consequences of varying cocoon qualities, utilizing case studies that highlight
market behaviors and pricing trends specific to Mulberry Bivoltine silk. By identifying key
quality indicators and their correlation with production costs, the project aspires to contribute
to more sustainable practices in sericulture, ensuring better profitability for farmers and
enhanced quality in the production of Mulberry Bivoltine silk.

iii
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
CHAPTER No. TITLE
No.
Declaration i
Acknowledgements ii
Abstract iii
Table of Contents iv
List of Tables v
List of Figures v
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION 1
Overview of sericulture and Mulberry
1.1 1
Bivoltine Silk Cocoons
Importance of Cocoon Quality in Silk
1.2 1
Production
1.3 Objectives of the work 2
1.4 Ramanagar Silk Market Transactions Report 3
Chapter 2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE 6
Chapter 3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 8
3.1 Materials and Machinery Used 8
3.2 Test Methods 9
Chapter 4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 13
4.1 Field Observations and Data Collection 13
4.2 Distribution of Outputs 15
4.3 Statistical Analysis of Reeling Efficiency 16
4.4 Farmer Survey in Silk Market 16
Chapter 5 CONCLUSIONS 18

iv
 Scope for Future Work 19

References 20
Chapter 6 ANNEXURE 21

LIST OF TABLES

Table No. TITLE Page No.

4.1 Distribution of Outputs from 100 kg Green Cocoons 15

4.2 Reeling Efficiency Across Different Setups 16

4.3 Farmer Practices and Observations 16

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. TITLE Page No.

1.1 Cocoon Quality Report and Bidding Slip of Farmer 5

3.1 Sorting of Defective Cocoons 10

3.2 Shell Ratio Analysis 10
3.3 Silk Waste Cloth Prepared in the Naganna Factory 11

4.1 Semi-Automatic Reeling Machine 13

4.2 Fully Automatic Reeling Machine 14

4.3 Distribution of Outputs from 100 kg Green Cocoons 16

v
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview of Sericulture and Mulberry Bivoltine Silk Cocoons
Sericulture, the cultivation of silkworms for producing silk, is a multi-stage process that
begins with mulberry cultivation and progresses through silkworm rearing, cocoon
harvesting, and silk reeling. Among the various types of silk produced worldwide, mulberry
silk, derived from the silkworm Bombyx mori L., accounts for over 75% of India’s silk
production. The process is highly labor-intensive, yet it offers rapid returns on investment,
making it a sustainable source of income for small and marginal farmers.
Bivoltine silk cocoons are a prominent variety reared in India, especially in regions like
Karnataka. Known for their fine denier, high tensile strength, and uniformity, Bivoltine
cocoons are preferred for premium silk production. Their cultivation requires precise
environmental control, optimal mulberry leaf nutrition, and advanced rearing techniques to
ensure high yields and quality. Karnataka, with its well-established sericulture
infrastructure, leads in Bivoltine silk production, contributing significantly to India’s silk
export market.

1.2 Importance of Cocoon Quality in Silk Production

Cocoon quality is a decisive factor in determining the efficiency of silk reeling and the
overall market value of raw silk. High-quality cocoons, characterized by high shell ratios,
uniform filament length, and minimal defects, yield better raw silk, which fetches higher
prices in both domestic and international markets. Conversely, defective cocoons lead to
greater waste during reeling, increased breakages, and lower profitability.
In Ramanagar, where silk reeling is a key economic activity, maintaining cocoon quality is
a priority for both farmers and reelers. Factors such as the mulberry variety, irrigation
methods, fertilization practices, and stifling techniques directly influence cocoon quality.
For instance, improperly stifled cocoons often lead to poor raw silk yield and a higher
renditta. Ensuring optimal conditions at every stage of production, from mulberry
cultivation to reeling, can significantly enhance efficiency and economic returns.
The importance of cocoon quality extends beyond economics. High-quality silk is crucial
for sustaining India’s global reputation as a leading silk producer. By focusing on quality
improvement, sericulture stakeholders can address market challenges, meet international
standards, and improve the livelihoods of rural communities engaged in this industry.

1
1.3 Objectives of the Work

1. To Assess key quality parameters of Mulberry Bivoltine silk cocoons that influence
silk production.
2. To Investigate the effects of defective cocoons on reeling performance and raw silk
quality.
3. To Study the Financial Activities in Ramanagar Silk Market
4. To Compare the effectiveness of semi-automatic, hand-driven, and fully automatic
reeling setups.
5. To Analyze waste management practices in silk reeling units.
6. To Provide actionable recommendations for improving reeling efficiency and waste
utilization.

2
1.4 Ramanagar Silk Market Transactions Report

Ramanagar, often referred to as the "Silk City" of India, has a long-standing history as
a hub for sericulture and silk production. The market in this region has been a pivotal center
for the trade of silk cocoons for decades. With its strategic location near Bangalore, it has
witnessed the evolution of sericulture, from manual processes to a more modern,
technology-driven market system. Ramanagar's silk market has always been the go-to place
for farmers, reelers, and traders to buy and sell silk cocoons, making it one of the largest
and most active markets in the country.
In the earlier days, the process of silk trading in Ramanagar was heavily reliant on
manual methods. Farmers would bring their cocoons to the market, where they were
inspected and weighed by middlemen, or “agents,” who helped facilitate transactions
between the farmers and reelers. The process was labor-intensive and time-consuming.
Calculating the hand cash, or physical currency, that was exchanged between farmers and
buyers was a particularly arduous task. It required manual recording and constant
supervision, which led to errors and delays, especially during peak trading seasons.
Farmers often had to wait long hours to receive their payments, and the lack of
transparency in pricing made it difficult for them to assess whether they were receiving a
fair value for their produce. The complex and often opaque pricing structure also meant
that many farmers were at the mercy of middlemen, who had significant control over the
rates at which cocoons were bought and sold. This lack of a direct, transparent process left
farmers vulnerable to exploitation. The payments were frequently made in cash, which
added another layer of complexity, particularly when large transactions were involved.
Handling large sums of cash was not only inconvenient but also posed security risks.
However, with the advancement of technology, especially the rise of digital platforms,
the silk market in Ramanagar has undergone a significant transformation. The introduction
of online bidding systems has streamlined the entire process, making transactions faster,
more transparent, and accessible to a broader range of participants. The online bidding
platform has not only simplified the exchange of cocoons but also reduced the dependency
on middlemen. Farmers, reelers, and traders now have the opportunity to directly
participate in the auction process, which ensures fairer pricing and greater competition.
Online bidding allows farmers to sell their cocoons to the highest bidder, removing any
geographical barriers and giving them access to a wider range of buyers, both locally and
nationally. This system has reduced the complexities involved in cash transactions, as
payments are now made digitally, and there is no need to handle large amounts of cash.

3
Farmers can also track the progress of their bids in real-time, making the process more
efficient and transparent. This technological shift has not only reduced human errors but
also significantly sped up the payment process. It has created a more fluid and secure
environment for silk trading, benefiting both the farmers and the reelers.
The digital transition has also introduced a novel scheme where a 1% fee is charged on
all transactions, paid by farmers and reelers. This fee is a part of the overall revenue
generated by the market and helps sustain the online bidding platform. Although the fee
may seem small, it has proven to be a valuable asset in maintaining the system and ensuring
its continued growth. Farmers and reelers have found this model to be cost-effective,
considering the many advantages of online bidding, such as increased competition and
access to a larger market.
Moreover, Ramanagar's silk market has become an even more attractive venue for
traders across the country, particularly those from Haveri in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
These regions have a rich tradition of bivoltine sericulture, which produces high-quality
silk. Bivoltine cocoons, known for their superior quality and higher yield, are in high
demand in the Ramanagar market due to the premium prices they command. Outside
Traders majorly from Haveri of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu State travel to Ramanagar
because they believe the market offers better value for their produce compared to their local
markets. The competitive nature of the online bidding platform, along with the wider reach
of the market, has made Ramanagar a key destination for selling bivoltine cocoons. This
influx of external traders has further bolstered the market's significance, adding to its
reputation as the largest and most important silk trading hub in the country.
The importance of thorough silk testing cannot be overstated when it comes to making
informed purchasing decisions in the Ramanagar silk market. To ensure that buyers receive
the best value for their investment, we strongly recommend that all buyers utilize the full
range of testing services available at the market before finalizing their transactions. By
obtaining an official report from our experienced analysts, buyers can assess the quality
and yield of the silk with precision, ultimately making smarter purchasing decisions.
Silk testing provides critical data on several key factors that directly influence the price
and quality of the silk, including cocoon quality, shell ratio, filament length, denier, and
renditta. These measurements are essential for determining the overall quality of the silk,
as well as its potential for producing high-quality yarn. By relying on official test reports,
buyers can ensure that they are receiving accurate, up-to-date information, which helps
eliminate the risks associated with relying on subjective judgment or incomplete data.

4
Chapter 2
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
This chapter is concerned with the literature review on COCOON QUALITY
ASSESSMENT AND IT’S IMPACT ON RAW SILK COST. This survey is based upon
an intensive search of the journals published in textile technology. Articles from other
sources are also included, and the subject is reviewed under different captions.

Sharma et al. (2019) discuss technological advancements in sericulture, such as automated

grading systems, advanced reeling techniques, and improved stifling methods. These
innovations have significantly enhanced cocoon quality assessment, improved silk
production efficiency, and reduced raw silk production costs by minimizing silk defects
[1].

Offord et al. (2016) analyze how the mechanical properties of silk, such as strength and
elongation, are influenced by cocoon quality. Their study highlights that bivoltine cocoons
exhibit better mechanical properties due to their thicker silk fibers compared to multivoltine
cocoons, affecting both the quality and pricing of raw silk [2].

Selvaraj & Vijaysanthi (2003) emphasize the role of marketing in cocoon and raw silk
pricing. Their study in Tamil Nadu shows that factors like cocoon quality, market demand,
and processing capabilities influence pricing, with superior-quality bivoltine cocoons
fetching higher prices and significantly affecting silk production costs [3].

Naik et al. (2016) explain the negative impact of defective cocoons on silk quality and
reeling efficiency. Defective cocoons lead to weaker, shorter silk fibers and increased
waste, raising raw silk production costs. They highlight the importance of identifying and
removing defective cocoons to reduce waste and enhance silk quality [4].

Manzoor et al. (2019) explore the influence of stifling methods on silk quality. Their
research shows that improper stifling weakens fibers, while optimal stifling enhances silk
strength, quality, and reeling efficiency, ultimately reducing raw silk production costs [5].

Prasobhkumar et al. (2017) propose image-based techniques for automated cocoon quality
assessment. Their study indicates that such methods improve sorting accuracy, reduce

6
sorting time, and minimize waste, leading to lower silk production costs and better quality
control [6].

Aznar-Cervantes et al. (2018) investigate the effects of cocoon stifling methods on silk
fibroin properties. Their study emphasizes that different stifling techniques can alter the
biochemical properties of silk, influencing its quality and production cost [7].

Astudillo et al. (2017) use a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach to evaluate the
environmental and economic aspects of silk production. Their findings show that
improving cocoon quality and reducing defects can enhance sustainability, reduce
environmental costs, and improve long-term profitability [8].

Astudillo et al. (2016) examine economic factors affecting silk production costs. They
report that high-quality bivoltine cocoons contribute to market stability and reduce the cost
per kilogram of raw silk, making silk production more economically viable [9].

Prasobhkumar et al. (2020) highlight the correlation between cocoon quality and silk
market trends. Their research demonstrates that higher-quality bivoltine cocoons result in
higher raw silk yields, more stable market prices, and reduced production costs due to lower
waste and more efficient processing [10].

7
Chapter 3
MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1 Materials and Machinery Used

(i) Mulberry Bivoltine Silk Cocoons

(ii) Mulberry Leaves (V1 Variety) Grown in Irrigated Fields
(iii) Reeling Units: Semi-Automatic, Hand-Driven, and Fully Automatic Setups

(i) Mulberry Bivoltine Silk Cocoons

Mulberry Bivoltine Silk Cocoons are a vital raw material in silk production. The term
"bivoltine" refers to the silkworm strains that produce two generations of cocoons per year,
typically in a controlled environment.

The specific hybrid FC1 × FC2 refers to a crossbreed of two different strains of silkworms
known for their high-quality silk production. The FC1 and FC2 strains are selectively bred
for their resilience, productivity, and superior silk quality.

These cocoons are known for having fine silk fibers with a high yield and excellent strength,
making them ideal for high-end silk production. The quality of these cocoons directly
influences the reeling efficiency, the silk yield (renditta), and the final quality of the raw
silk produced.

The choice of these specific bivoltine strains is crucial as they offer a better cost-benefit
ratio in terms of silk quality and quantity when compared to other silkworm varieties,
making them preferred in commercial silk production.

(ii) Mulberry Leaves (V1 Variety) Grown in Irrigated Fields

Mulberry Leaves (V1 variety) serve as the primary diet for silkworms. The V1 variety is a
specific strain of mulberry plant that is highly valued for its high nutritional content, which
directly affects the growth and health of silkworms.

8
Grown in irrigated fields, these mulberry trees are cultivated under controlled conditions to
ensure consistent, high-quality leaf production throughout the year. Irrigation is critical for
maintaining optimal growth and leaf quality, especially in regions with irregular rainfall or
dry spells.

High-quality mulberry leaves contribute to the overall health of the silkworms, resulting in
stronger and healthier larvae that spin higher-quality cocoons. The quality of the leaves also
impacts the consistency of the cocoon size and shell thickness, which are crucial for
efficient reeling.

The choice of mulberry variety and cultivation method influences the productivity and cost-
effectiveness of silk farming. The V1 variety is chosen for its balance between leaf yield
and nutritional value, ensuring that the silkworms receive the best possible diet for high-
quality silk production.

(iii) Reeling Units: Semi-Automatic, Hand-Driven, and Fully Automatic Setups

Reeling Units are the machines or equipment used to unwind the silk filament from the
cocoons. The choice of reeling setup significantly affects both the quality of the raw silk
and the cost of production.

3.2 Test Methods

1. Sorting of Defective Cocoons

To categorize cocoons based on their quality and usability during reeling.
➢ Standard Cocoons: These are the best quality cocoons, which are intact, uniform,
and suitable for reeling. They typically have a good shape, size, and shell integrity,
ensuring smooth extraction of silk threads.
➢ Double Cocoons: These are cocoons where two silkworms have spun a cocoon
together. This can lead to irregularities in the silk thread when reeling. These
cocoons are more difficult to reel, and the silk produced may have a lower quality.
➢ Jilly Cocoons: Also known as "defective" cocoons, these are damaged, broken, or
misshapen. They may result from poor rearing conditions or pest infestations.
Reeling from jilly cocoons is inefficient, and the silk produced is often of inferior
quality.

9
 ➢ Use of Waste Water for Irrigation: After the cocoons are cooked and the silk is
extracted, the water used in the cooking process (which may contain dissolved
sericin and other materials) can be repurposed for irrigation. This reduces waste and
promotes sustainability in sericulture farming.
➢ Processing Silk Waste into Plain Cloth-Like Sheets: Silk waste, which may include
short fibers, broken filaments, or unwanted threads, can be recycled into simple
cloth-like sheets. This "silk waste cloth" can be used for various purposes, including
non-woven products, making it an economical way to utilize otherwise discarded
material.
7. Cost Factor
To analyze the financial implications of cocoon quality and reeling processes on silk
production costs.
➢ Impact of Cocoons Quality on Cost: The quality of cocoons directly affects the cost
of raw silk production. Higher quality cocoons (standard cocoons) yield better silk
with fewer breakages, leading to higher renditta and less waste, which can reduce
production costs per unit of silk.
➢ Defective Cocoons (Double and Jilly Cocoons): The presence of defective cocoons
increases the cost of production as they require additional handling, processing, and
may result in a lower yield of high-quality silk. Higher breakages during reeling
further contribute to increased labor costs and reduced production efficiency.
➢ Reeling Process Efficiency: The cost of operating reeling units depends on the
efficiency of the machinery, the skill of the workers, and the cocoon quality.
Increased breakages or suboptimal reeling conditions can lead to higher operational
costs and longer processing times, which raise the overall cost per kilogram of raw
silk.
➢ Waste Management and Sustainability: Efficient waste management practices, such
as reusing waste water for irrigation or processing silk waste into cloth-like sheets,
can offset some of the production costs. These practices reduce the need for
additional resources and can lower the environmental impact of silk production,
making it more cost-effective in the long run.

12
 important to account for this loss when calculating the final cost of silk production,
as more cocoons are required to produce a certain quantity of silk.
Waste Water and Byproduct Utilization:
A key aspect of sustainability in silk production is the efficient management of waste,
particularly the waste water produced during the cocoon boiling process. The study
revealed that the waste water from cocoon boiling was effectively repurposed for mulberry
irrigation. This practice not only reduces the environmental impact of silk production but
also provides an economic benefit, as the waste water serves as a liquid fertilizer for the
mulberry plants, enhancing their growth and reducing the need for additional chemical
fertilizers.
• Byproduct Utilization: One of the fully automatic reeling units observed in the study
employed an innovative waste management technique to process silk waste. This
waste, often discarded or incinerated, was instead transformed into flat sheets using
a specialized machine. The process involves converting silk remnants and defective
threads into a usable product, which can be sold as an additional source of revenue.
• Impact: This technique not only minimizes environmental waste but also creates a
new revenue stream, helping the factory improve its profitability. The production
of silk waste sheets provides a secondary product that can be marketed, offering a
cost-effective solution to the disposal of byproducts.

4.2 Distribution of Outputs

Based on our Observations and Calculations, From 100 kg of green cocoons:

Table 4.1: Distribution of Outputs from 100 kg Green Cocoons

Output Type Quantity (kg)

Raw Silk Yield 15-17
Pupa 40
Double Cocoons 3-7
Jilly Cocoons 3-8
Other Silk Waste 3-5

15
 5 Mulberry land 1.5 6 3 1.5
holding (acre)
6 Dry land / irrigated Irrigated Irrigated Irrigated Irrigated
7 Soil type Red Red Red Red
8 Mulberry variety V1 V1 V1 V1
9 Age of Mulberry 1 22 5 4
garden (years)
10 Spacing in 3’×3’ 4’×4’ 3’ × 6’ 4’×3’
mulberry
11 Manure (FYM) 120 150 - 130
(kg)
12 Fertilizers (urea & 30 50 140 50
complex) (kg)
13 Irrigation method Furrow Furrow Drip Furrow
14 Harvesting method Shoot Shoot Shoot Shoot
15 Method used for Wet gunny cloth Wet cloth Wet cloth No Storage
leaf preservation
16 Pruning (in a year) 0 1 1 1

17 Rearing house Sheet RCC Sheet RCC

18 Disinfectants used Decol, Astra Ankush Bleach, Decol Decol, Astra
19 DFLs 250 250 300 150
20 Direct brushing/ Chawki worms Direct Brushing Chawki worms Chawki worms
chawki worms
21 Silkworm breed FC1×FC2 FC1×FC2 FC1×FC2 FC1×FC2
22 Bed disinfectant Lime, Vijetha Vijetha , Ankush Lime, Vijetha Supplement,
Vijetha
23 Type of mountage Plastic collapsible Plastic collapsible Plastic collapsible Plastic collapsible
Cocoon harvesting
24 5th Day 7th Day 5th-6th Day 6th Day
(on which day)

4.5 Discussion
The findings emphasize the critical role of fully automatic setups in achieving superior
renditta, reducing breakages, and improving silk quality. Efficient waste management
practices further enhance sustainability and profitability in silk production.

17
Chapter 5
CONCLUSIONS

Key Findings

1. A renditta range of 6.3-7 was achieved, with scope for improvement toward the
ideal range of 5.2-5.5.
2. Semi-automatic and hand-driven setups experienced higher breakages and
inefficiencies compared to fully automatic units.
3. Waste management practices, such as using cocoon waste water for irrigation and
processing silk waste into sheets, showed great potential for enhancing
sustainability.
4. Farmer practices, including mulberry variety, irrigation methods, and fertilization,
significantly influenced cocoon quality.

Steps for Improvement

1. Adopt Advanced Reeling Technology: Encourage the shift to fully automatic

setups to improve renditta and reduce breakages.
2. Standardize Waste Management: Promote the use of specialized machines for
converting silk waste into usable products.
3. Farmer Training Programs: Conduct workshops on optimal rearing practices,
emphasizing irrigation, fertilization, and pest control.
4. Market Diversification: Strengthen the supply chain for byproducts like pupa
and silk waste to enhance economic returns.

Privilege and Value of Silk Reeling

Silk reeling plays a critical role in the sericulture value chain. It transforms raw cocoons
into high-value silk threads while offering numerous byproducts that can be sustainably
utilized. Ramanagar’s industry exemplifies the integration of traditional skills with
modern techniques, ensuring the global competitiveness of Indian silk.

18
 SCOPE FOR FUTURE WORK

The study carried out in this work has concentrated on various aspects of silk production
and reeling, focusing on test methods, resource utilization, and quality enhancement. Most
of the objectives of this project have been amply fulfilled.

The following are some of the areas where further work is required:
➢ Explore innovative uses of silk byproducts, such as pupa oil extraction and
biofertilizer production, to maximize resource utilization.
➢ Investigate the feasibility of scaling up waste management solutions, such as silk
waste sheet production, in other reeling units.
➢ Develop automated grading systems to ensure uniform quality assessment of
cocoons in silk markets.
➢ Conduct a comparative study on renditta across different regions and reeling setups
to identify best practices.
➢ Examine the environmental impact of silk reeling operations and propose eco-
friendly alternatives to existing processes.
➢ Research ways to reduce reeling breakages further by refining cooking times and
filament handling techniques.

19
 REFERENCES

1. Sharma, A., Gupta, R. K., Sharma, P., Qadir, J., Bandral, R. S., & Bali, K. (2019).
Technological Innovations in Sericulture. ResearchGate.
2. Offord, C., Vollrath, F., & Holland, C. (2016). Mechanical Properties of Silk and
Cocoon Quality. Springer.
3. Selvaraj, A., & Vijaysanthi, K. R. (2003). A Study on the Price Behavior of
Cocoon and Raw Silk in Tamil Nadu. ResearchGate.
4. Naik, S. V., Takabayashi, C., & Somashekar, T. H. (2016). Influence of Defective
Cocoons on Reeling Performance and Quality of Silk. ResearchGate.
5. Manzoor, S., Qadri, S. F. I., Sahaf, K., Baqual, M. F., & Qayoom, K. (2019).
Effects of Different Cocoon-Stifling Methods on the Reeling and Quality
Characteristics of Raw Silk. MDPI.
6. Prasobhkumar, P. P., Francis, C. R., & Gorthi, S. S. (2017). Cocoon Quality
Classification Using Automated Imaging Technologies. ScienceDirect.
7. Aznar-Cervantes, S., Pagan, A., Monteagudo, B. S., & Cenis, J. L. (2018). Effects
of Cocoon Stifling Methods on Silk Fibroin Properties. ResearchGate.
8. Astudillo, M. F., Thalwitz, G., & Vollrath, F. (2017). Life Cycle Assessment of
Silk Production - A Case Study from India. ResearchGate.
9. Astudillo, M. F., Thalwitz, G., & Vollrath, F. (2016). Economic Implications of
Silk Production. ScienceDirect.
10. Prasobhkumar, P. P., Francis, C. R., & Gorthi, S. S. (2020). Market Trends and
the Economic Impact of Bivoltine Silk Production. ResearchGate.

20