International Journal of Social Science

Citation: IJSS: 6(3): 199-210, September 2017

DOI: 10.5958/2321-5771.2017.00023.0
©2017 New Delhi Publishers. All rights reserved

A Critical Analysis on Major Problems Faced by

Reelers and Weavers of Silk Industry at Field Level in
Murshidabad District of West Bengal

Mahasankar Majumdar* Kunal Sarkar and Souvik Sinha

Department of Sericulture Krishnath College, Berhampore, Murshidabad, West Bengal, India

*Correspondence author: maha.majumdar@gmail.com

ABSTRACT
Once silk goods of Murshidabad were exported to the different countries of the world. In sixteenth century Murshidabad
exported its silk product to the coasts of East Africa, Arabia, Turkey, Syria and other countries (Das, R, 2015). Then
came Dutch, East India Company and captured the silk business in this district. The company used to purchase silk
yarns from the reelers and exported them to the Western Countries for producing silk products and gradually the
company acquired full control over the silk production in the district. Murshidabad has a rich cultural heritage and
the art of hand weaving formed its integral part. But now a day’s both the sector i.e. reeling and weaving sectors
are declining day by day. The present study highlights 9 major problems in reeling sector and 7 major problems in
weaving sector. The study reveals that above 93 % releers are complained about the lack of raw materials. The study
also indicates that in only 20-33% successor of present are interested in this reeling sector and in weaving sector it is
only 28%. The study also reveals that 90% -100% reelers and weavers are not satisfied for their wages. These are some
the major problems which are responsible for declining the sectors in our district. The study also highlighted some
future strategy to overcome the situation so that the “Murshidabad Silk” can regain its past glory.
Keywords: Sericulture, reeler, weaver, export, silk, silk goods, wages, future generation, Murshidabad silk

In a country where poverty holds nearly one third of the work no more. What is remarkable is that more than one
populations in its grip, these people still find it difficult generation of workers from the same family takes up
to earn enough to satisfy the basic needs of existence, this work (Inbanathan, 1993).
i.e. food and shelter. In such circumstances, findings
India is the second largest silk producing country of the
employment and a suitable occupation to earn a living
world and has the unique distinction of being the only
and sustain themselves is difficult when they do not
country that cultures four commercial varieties of silk
possess sufficient education, and marketable skills. Silk
i.e. Mulberry, Tasar, Eri and Muga. Sericulture is an agro
reeling and weaving is an onerous occupation, which
based industry which provides employment and income
mostly poor people, with limited skills undertake –
to about 8.25 million people in India (CSB Annual Report-
though a small number of better educated persons too
As on April-2017). It is also a labour intensive cottage
have taken up reeling and weaving work. Once they are
industry generating high employment and income per
into this occupation, they often remain in it till they can
unit area of land. According to CSB report it is estimated
 Majumdar et.al

that Sericulture can generate employment @ 11 man days Matured silkworm extrudes a semi liquid mixture of
per kg of raw silk production (in on-farm and off-farm protein, coated with a gummy substance called sericin
activities) throughout the year. This potential is par- from its spinneret. The liquid is thus ejected at a rate
excellence and no other industry generates this kind of of about a foot per minute and transformed into fiber
employment, specially in rural areas, hence, sericulture when exposed to air. This fibre is known as silk which
is used as a tool for rural reconstruction. According is considered as queen of textile fibre (Chattopadhyay
to West Bengal State Sericulture Diary, April-2016, in and Sarkar, 2008). Textile fibre mainly constitutes of
our district its provides an additional employment of natural fibre and manmade fibre. Among the natural
2453 nos. Murshidabad is the 2nd largest silk producing fibre contribution of cotton is maximum. It constitutes
districts of West Bengal (Giridhar and Ramesha 1999 43.6% of total production of textile fibre followed by
& 2003, Sarkar, K. 2009). It has a very old tradition in wool (3.6%) and silk (0.2%).Natural fibre accounts 47.4%
this District. Murshidabad silk came to prominence of total Production. On the other hand manmade fiber
during Muslim regime in the 13th century. Organized constitutes of 52.6% of total textile fibre . Among the
development of sericulture & proper exploitation of manmade fibres contribution of synthetic fibre is highest.
silk in this District is initiated by East India Company. It constitutes 45.8% of total production. Cellulose fibre
Once silk goods of Murshidabad were exported to the contributes 6.8% of total manmade fibre production.
different countries of the world. In sixteenth century (Giridhar and Ramesha 1999 and 2003, Sarkar, K. 2009).
Murshidabad exported its silk product to the coasts of Silk has been a symbol of luxary down the ages. It has
East Africa, Arabia, Turkey, Syria and other countries. references in history, it was one of the major commodities
Then came East India Company and captured the silk traded between continents. Silk is also known as queen
business in this district (Das, R, 2015). of textile fibre. Though its contribution is very negligible
(0.2%) in the map of textile fibre but demand of silk and
The company used to purchase silk yarns from the
silk goods are increasing day by day due to its elegancy
reelers and exported them to the Western Countries for
and gorgeousness.
producing silk products and gradually the company
acquired full control over the silk production in the Various products are produced from silk fibre like
district. Murshidabad has a rich cultural heritage and sarees, stoles, dress materials, readymade garments,
the art of hand weaving formed its integral part. Silk is carpets etc. Due to its gorgeousness it is far costly than
the most elegant textile in the world with unparalleled other natural fibre. Like other natural fibre silk is also
grandeur, natural sheen, and inherent affinity for hygroscopic in nature and dimensional stability is also
dyes, high absorbance, light weight, soft touch and comparatively less. Molecular orientation in silk is
high durability and known as the “Queen of Textiles”. differed from manmade fibre. Inter molecular attraction
Sericuture, the art and science of silk production is a is comparatively less and inter molecular distance is
livelihood opportunity for millions owing to its high comparatively more, so silk is also known as unequal
employment generation potential, low capital intensive textile fibre. Silk is also used as blended material with
nature, while being a highly remunerative agro industry. synthetic and wool (Rangswami et al., 1976).
The very nature of this industry with its rural based on-
West Bengal is the major traditional state of sericulture
farm and off-farm activities and enormous employment
in India. There is a long tradition of Sericulture in
generation potential has attracted the attention of the
West Bengal and as well as in Murshidabad District.
planners and policy makers to recognize the industry
Sericulture has a very old tradition in Murshidabad
among one of the most appropriate avenues for socio-
District. Chronological sequence of various stages of
economic development of a largely agrarian economy
growth of sericulture is difficult to ascertain due to
like India. Sericulture has been fully recognized as an
lack of systematic record in this District. Murshidabad
important rural industry in India and elsewhere and is
silk came to prominence during Muslim regime in the
practiced as a house hold industry.
13th century. Organized development of sericulture &

200 International Journal of Social Science: Vol. 6 • No. 3 • Sep 2017

 A Critical Analysis on Major problems Faced by Reelers and Weavers of Silk Industry at Field Level in Murshidabad

proper exploitation of silk in this District is initiated Banga Resham Silpi Samabay Mahasangha Ltd.
by East India Company. East India Company started (Resham Silpi), West Bengal Handicrafts Development
exporting Bengal Silk to Europe from Murshidabad. Corporation Ltd. (Manjusha), The West Bengal State
Murshidabad is the pioneer of some unique handy craft Handicrafts Co-operative Society Ltd. (Bangashree).
like Murshidabad Silk, Baluchari etc (Chattopadhyay Besides these agencies, silk is also sold in fairs and via
and Sarkar, 2006, 2008). mahajans and middlemen. According to West Bengal
Sate Sericulture Annual Diary, the total production of
All the major practices of Sericulture Industry
raw silk yarn in 2016 (Up to March 2016) was 458.98 MT.
including Mulberry Cultivation, Silkworm rearing,
This yarn is sold at markets in Nabagram, Panchgram
silk reeling and silk weaving are practiced in this
and Sagardighi. Murshidabad is the leading district
district. Reeling and Weaving are both very important
in the state in silk weaving. According to Ratan Das
phenomenon among these. Unwinding of silk filament
(2015) the district is famous for Kora, Garad, Karial,
from the cocoon is known as reeling. On the other
Jacquard and Jamdani silk. Total production in the
hand, Weaving is a mechanism through which the
co-operative sector of the district in the year 2011-12
silk yarn can be converted into fabrics by interlacing
was worth of ` 390 lakh. Total sale in the co-operative
with each other. For weaving warp preparation and
sector of the district in the year 2011-12 was ` 410 lakh
weft preparation are important. Raw silk wounded
approximately.
longitudinally on beams called warp. For preparation
of any dress material, quality of warp is required less But at present, Murshidabad has lost its past glory in
and it is generally made from bivoltine cocoons. The terms of Sericulture Industry. Degeneration of silkworm
yarn passes through warp yarn vertically are called breeds, competition from other cash crops like Jute and
weft. The weft yarn is made through multivoltine Rice, spread of pebrine disease, falling prices of raw
cocoons (Rangswami et al., 1976). silk, withdrawal of European Cocoon buying firms, low
wages in sericulture and organizational set back are the
Most of the reelers of the district are engaged in
major resons behind that set back (Sarkar, A,2006). For
reeling activity under the mahajans and middlemen
that reason Murshidabad Silk Industry is facing various
at a fixed wage rate basis. The wage rates allowed by
types of Problems. Reeling and weaving Industry are
the mahajans and the middlemen for production of
also not an exception. So here a sincere effort is done to
1 kg of silk yarn are ` 150 and ` 200, respectively in
analyse major problems faced by reelers and weavers at
the year 2016-17. The mahajans and middlemen sell
field level in Murshidabad District.
the reeled yarns in the market at a higher rate. Thus,
most of the reelers have no any direct contact with
Relevance of the present study
the weavers of the district. The weavers engaged in
silk handloom sector work in three different ways: Murshidabad is the major traditional district of silk
(a) under co-operative societies (b) under mahajan production in West Bengal. It occupies second position
/ money lender or (c) are individual weavers. This interms of silk production in West Bengal. Murshidabad is
cluster has enormous potential because of good the pioneer of some unique handy craft like Murshidabad
demand in national and international markets. Silk, Baluchari, Maslin etc. East India Company started
However, it is currently in poor shape as the weavers exporting Bengal Silk to Europe from Murshidabad.
lack direct access to potential markets and some of the But the condition of silk industry in this district is now
societies are suffering from payment of dues for about facing great setbacks. Tipu Sultan was the pioneer of
3 years from the central marketing organizations establishment sericulture in Mysore from Murshidabad.
under Directorate of Handlooms, viz. West Bengal Today Karnataka is in the first position in Sericulture in
State Handloom Weavers’ Co-operative Society Ltd. India. 60% of Indian silk production is coming from the
(Tantuja), West Bengal Handloom & Powerloom southern states. Both reeling and Weaving are important
Development Corporation Ltd. (Tantushree), Paschim phenomenon of Silk Industry.

International Journal of Social Science: Vol. 6 • No. 3 • Sep 2017 201

 Majumdar et.al

Unwinding of silk filament from cocoon is known as 7. Lack of Basic Education

reeling (Rangswami et al., 1976). At present around 8. Less Wages Rate
22501.333 MT of Mulberry silk is produced in West
9. Lack of interest of future generation in this trade.
Bengal (West Bengal State Sericulture Diary, April-2016).
It is almost half than the actual requirement. Because Weaving Industry
demand of silk and silk goods are increasing day by day
1. Nature of wages in the weaving industry.
not only in our state as well as in our country and even
in World market. 2. Source of Credit for the weavers.

Weaving is a method of textile production in which two 3. Place of marketing for weavers.
distinct sets of yarns or threads are interlaced at right 4. Participation of women in weaving industry.
angles to form a fabric or cloth The longitudinal threads 5. Availability of raw material for weaving industry.
are called the warp and the lateral threads are the weft or 6. Facilities of training for the weavers.
filling (Collier,1974) Murshidabad was also the nursery
of weaving industry not only in Bengal but also in India. 7. Interest of future generation in this trade.
Almost 300 years ago ‘Maslin’ exported to Dhaka from
Murshidabad through the river Ganges (Choudhury, MATERIALS AND METHODS
Ramananda, 2009). Best weavers of this country lived in Present study was undertaken to know the major
Murshidabad. Unique design, techniques of weaving of problems faced by reelers and weavers of Murshidabad
Murshidabad attracted British, French and Datch traders District. The study was conducted 12 villages
in Murshidabad on that time. Lot of weaving centres of Khargram block like Sonigram, Kelai, Digha,
were established on that time at Kalikapur, Farasdanga, Dhonigram, Nonadanga, Jhilli, Khashpur, Kamarpur,
Saidabad, Beldanga, Kumarpara, Nouda, Chalk- Patdanga, Poradanga, Siata, and Alinagar, and the
Islampur, Doulatabad, Berhampore,Baluchar (Jiaganj), study composed of 60 reelers who have been practicing
Mirjapur , Jangipur etc (Choudhury Sunanda,2008). reeling for a long time. The reelers who were engaged
Most of them are becoming closed today. So, here a in reeling of more than 500 Dfls/crop was considered
sincere effort is done to analyze major problems faced as big reelers and simultaneously the reelers who
by reelers and weavers at field level in Murshidabad were engaged in reeling of less than 500 Dfls/crop was
district. considered as small reelers in this survey. Reelers were
selected and interviewed by adopting purposefully
Objective
random sampling methods. Families of Nagar village
The main objectives of this study to know the major of Khargram Block are mainly engaged in different
problems faced by reelers and weavers at field level in activities of weaving. Four villages of Berhampore
Murshidabad District. Block were also included in this study. These villages are
Sebabrata, Narayanpur, Balarampur and Krishnamati.
Reeling Industry Data was collected from 25 families of these villages.
1. Lack of availability of raw materials throughout the Families of these villages are engaged in different
year. activities of weaving. Purposefully random sampling
method is followed for conducting the survey.
2. Unavailability of proper infrastructural facilities
including unpopularity of multiend reeling machine. Data pertaining to the related topic was collected
3. Lack of proper training. after three visits in February-2017 crop by personally
interviewing with the aid of designed questionnaire
4. Lack of marketing opportunities.
and interpreted accordingly (Ray, G.L. & Mandal,
5. Unavailability credits from Government S., 1997).
6. Lack of Extension in the field.

202 International Journal of Social Science: Vol. 6 • No. 3 • Sep 2017

 A Critical Analysis on Major problems Faced by Reelers and Weavers of Silk Industry at Field Level in Murshidabad

Table 1: Major Problems faced by Reelers at Khargram Block

Problem of Small Rellers Problem of Big Rellers

Sl. No. Subject (Number: 30) (Number: 30)
Number Percentage Number Percentage
1 Unavailability of raw materials 28 93 28 93
2 Lack of infrastructural facilities 27 90 24 80
3 Lack of proper training 24 80 20 67
4 Lack of marketing system 28 93 27 90
5 Unavailability of credits from Government 28 93 26 87
6 Lack of Extension 26 87 22 73
7 Lack of Basic Education 22 73 17 57
8 Less wages rate in reeling industry 30 100 27 90
9 Lack of interest of future generation in this trade 10 33 6 20
Data collected during February, 2017.

Fig. 1: Major Problems faced by Reelers at Khargram Block

Table 2: Major problems faced by weavers in selected Villages of Khargram and Sadar Berhampore Block

Sl. No. Subject Number Percentage

1 Less wages in the weaving industry. 25 100%
2 Source of Credit for the weavers. 13 (Samity); 12 (Mahajans) 52% (Samiti); 48% (Mahajans)
3 Place of marketing for weavers. 13 (Samity); 12 ; Mahajans) 52% (Samiti); 48% (Mahajans
4 Interest of future generation in this trade. 7 28%
5 Participation of women in weaving industry. 15 60%
6 Availability of raw material for weaving industry 24 96%
7 Facilities of training for the weavers. 15 60%

Source: Data Collected During February, 2017.

International Journal of Social Science: Vol. 6 • No. 3 • Sep 2017 203

 Majumdar et.al

Major Problems Faced by Weavers

Fig. 2. Fig. 3.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION crop (Rainy / Shrabani) and August-September crop

(Autumn / Aswina) come under unfavourable season
The Present study was undertaken to know the major
(Wet Summer). It is difficult to rear cross breed and
problems of reeling Industry and weaving industry
Bivoltine hybrid throughout the year due to prevailing
in Murshidabad District. In Khargram block all the
of high temperature and high humidity in Murshidabad
reelers are reares. Rearers after producing the cocoons,
district. Due to this reason it is difficult to supply good
generally do not sell it open market, they usually reel it
quality cocoon throughout the year for reeling purpose.
to silk. In Khargram and Berhampore blocks, weavers
This phenomenon is also reflected in our study. 93%
are still now running their institution with facing so
small and big rellers of Khargram Block are fall into line
many problems. Details discussion is lying down.
about the scarcity of raw materials (Table 1 & Fig. 1).
In Reeling sectors rellers are facing following problems It is comparatively easier to rear crossbreed (M×Bi)
at field level. during favourable season because crossbreeds
™™ Unavailability of raw materials throughout the with bivoltine components cannot withstand high
year temperature and high humidity (Das et al., 1994, 2006).
On the other hand during wet summer (unfavourable
Mulberry Silk worm rearing season is divided mainly
season) due to prevailing of high temperature, high
in two parts i.e. Favourable season and unfavourable
humidity and heavy fluctuation of climatic condition it
season in West Bengal. November to April comes
is better to rear multivoltine and their hybrids (Das et al.,
under favourable season and May to October comes
1994, 2006).
under unfavourable season. During favourable season,
generally dry summer is predominant and during Because multivoltine and their hybrids are more
unfavourable season wet summer is predominant. resistant to high temperature and high humidity as
Mulberry crop span is 70 days. So five harvests as well compare to crossbreeds (M×Bi) (Krishnaswami, 1978,
as five rearings can be done in a year. November crop Benchamin and Jolly, 1986). So at present in West Bengal
(Winter / Agrahani), February crop (Spring / Falguni) multivoltine hybrid (N×M12(W)) is generally reared
and April crop (Summer / Baishaki) come under during unfavourable season and crossbreed (N×NB4D2)
is generally reared during favourable season at farmers
favourable season (Dry Summer) where June-July
level (Das et al., 1994, 2006; Chattopadhyay et al., 2004,

204 International Journal of Social Science: Vol. 6 • No. 3 • Sep 2017

 A Critical Analysis on Major problems Faced by Reelers and Weavers of Silk Industry at Field Level in Murshidabad

Fig. 4: Major problem faced by weavers

Chattopadhyay and Sarkar, 2006, Sarkar, 2006, Sarkar, Bengal State Sericulture Annual Diary on 01/04/2016.
2008). According to that report 45% Country Charkah, 35%
Cottage Basin and only 20% Ghosh Basin reeling units
According to Sarkar and Majumdar (2017) reeling of
are ruling in this sector. Semi automatic and automatic
multivoltine cocoons are not economic at all. Renditta
of multivoltine cocoons are too low which are not cost reeling machine is still dream to our lion’s share reelers.
effective. Besides that cocoons of rainy season cannot be In our study area once again the reelers are agreed
reeled properly because due to high humidity, quality about the unavailability of infrastructural facilities. 90%
of sericin is highly affected. Sericin (Gum of filament) of small reelers and 80% big reelers of Khargram block
takes more time to become dry in high humid condition; are facing problems due to infrastructural facilities
it ultimately affects the releasing of filament from the (Table 1 & Fig. 1). Reelers in Khargram Block are not
cocoons during cooking. So it is better to procure whole having any storage facilities of Cocoons. In rainy season
annual requirement during November, February and they are bound for reel green cocoons . But without
April because these three crops are comparatively better proper provision of drying the cocoons one cannot reel
where cross breed races can be reared. But there may be a throughout the year. It is important to dry the green
chance of wastage of raw materials during transportation cocoons immediately after proper mounting otherwise
and preservation due to bulk procurement. It is also live pupa inside the cocoon will become moth and
very difficult to run the whole year with the cocoons of comes out from the cocoon by piercing the cocoon shell
three crops. In this junction lack of raw material is one of during the course of metamorphosis. Pierced cocoons
the prominent problems in the reeling industry. are unfit for reeling.
™™ Unavailability of proper infrastructural facilities So any negligence or procrastination in drying may
including unpopularity of multiend reeling result in huge loss. The reelers have no Automatic Drier
machine. so that they can dry their cocoons in rainy season also.
It is true that about 85% reelers are using country charkha It is also a big infrastructural problem in this sector. Sun
or cottage basin in our district (Sarkar et al., 2010). The drying may also helpful if intensity of sun light is low.
observation is supported by observation laid in West But when the intensity of sunlight is too high and the

International Journal of Social Science: Vol. 6 • No. 3 • Sep 2017 205

 Majumdar et.al

UV rays may affect the silk thread and deteriorate the If the marketing system is poor you may knocked from
silk quality. the system and it is true for sericulture or silk industry
also. According to Ratan Das (2015) the success of
It is no doubt that reeling of cross breed (M × Bi) cocoons
sericulture industry depends on a proper and highly
through multiend reeling machine ensure production
efficient marketing which assures good prices to
of quality silk than the reeling of multivoltine cocoons
the farmers, reelers, weavers and the co-operatives.
(Sarkar et al, 2008). But present investigation reveals that
Efficient marketing helps in arresting wide fluctuations
in Murshidabad District at farmers’ level in Khargram
in prices of cocoon, silk yarn and silk fabrics due to (i)
block, proper infrastructure facilities are not still
variations in quality, (ii) absence of quality control, (iii)
developed for the reeling of Multi×Bi or Crossbreed
intervention of middlemen and (iv) poor marketing
cocoons.
facilities. An efficient marketing channel entrusts a sense
Some big reelers are using motorize country charkah of security among the rearers, reelers and weavers who
which can reduce the labour consumption at the time have no hesitation in accepting sericultural activity as
of reeling, but the quality of silk is remain unchanged. one of their main occupations and financing problems of
It is true that Charka or Cottage Basin dominated sericulture can be solved through an efficient marketing
multivoltine based reeling industry cannot bring glory system.
to the reeling industry of Murshidabad District.
The chief marketing channels of the Silk Co-operative
™™ Lack of proper training Societies are Tantuja, Tantushree, Manjusha, Bangashree
According to West Bengal state, sericulture diary only etc. which are the central marketing agencies set up to
5 number of Reeling Training center is present in our provide marketing support to the co-operative societies.
state. So, the picture is clear that it is not possible for The societies have also some marketing opportunities
these least number of training centers to giving training through private traders.
for our thousands of reelers. The field data of our study The marketing channels purchase silk yarns from the
also support this statement that 80% small reelers of Reelers Co-operative Societies even from the neighbour
Khargram blocks were not having any proper training district, Malda and from the private reelers. These
(Table 1 & Fig. 1). Though in case of big reeler, it was channels supply the silk yarns to the Silk Weavers Co-
around 67% (Table 1 & Fig. 1), due to their personal operative Societies for producing silk clothes. Since,
influence and economic competency, big reelers have there is no proper marketing facility in the district for
got more opportunities of training than small reelers. reeling silk yarn, the private reelers have to sell the reeled
Proper training is indispensible to cope with the rapid yarn at a low price to the silk merchants / middlemen to
change of technology. Skilled labour is essential in case get quick return of working capital for further activities.
of reeling industry. During the reeling of silk yarn it
is important to maintain requisite denier (thickness of Sometimes Tantuja, Tantushree, Manjusha and
yarn) of silk yarn. Unevenness in thickness may reduce Bangashree purchase the reeled silk from the private
the cost of silk drastically. Lack of training is one of the reelers and the Silk Reelers Co-operative Society in the
major reasons behind the unpopularity of multiend district at a fair price. Our study also reveals that 93%
reeling machine in this district. During the period of small reelers and 90% big reelers are facing this lack of
NSP (National Sericulture Project), some multiend marketing opportunities (Table 1 & Fig. 1). Islampur,
reeling machines are distributed to the reelers at free of Panchgram, Nabagram, Mirzapur are the major markets
cost. But due to lack of proper training, utilizations of of silk present in Murshidabad District but all are
these machines are no done at all. unregulated and unorganized. So, reelers are forced to
sell their silk to middleman, mahajans etc. Problems of
™™ Lack of marketing opportunities marketing are more in case of small reeler. Besides that
Proper marketing can boost up any industry and give silk can be sold in adjoining districts like Bhadrapur
a resistance power to stand in the era of globalization.

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 A Critical Analysis on Major problems Faced by Reelers and Weavers of Silk Industry at Field Level in Murshidabad

and Akalipur of Birbhum District, Kaliachawk of Malda got Govt. assistance through various cooperatives/
Districts etc. Local Resham Khadi organizations are also Samitis. A scientific approach is essential to provide
the major consumers of silk. There is even provision loan /subsidies to small reelers. Besides that a proper
of transportation of quality silk to Bhagalpur of Bihar, monitoring committee is required to observe proper
Bangalore of Karnataka etc. Silk wastes can be sold in utilization of fund.
Narayanpur of Malda District where the biggest spun
™™ Lack of Extension in the field
silk mill of our country is working under “Pataka Group
of Industries” (Sarkar and Majumdar, 2017). Dissemination of technology from lab to land is essential
for the upliftment of an Industry. Sericulture Industry is
It was observed in the present study that suppose a also not an exception. But lack of extension officials in
rearer reared 100 DFLs crossbreed. From 100 DFLs both the offices of State and Central Govt. de-motivate
crossbreed he got around 40 kg cocoons and from that the sericulturists to take or continue that profession.
amount of cocoons he reeled 4-5 kg silk. Due to lack It is one of the major reason behind the set back of
of regulated marketing system he sold that silks to Sericulture Industry in Murshidabad District. 87% small
middlemen. Middleman procured silk from every such reelers at Khargram Block are complained about the
reeler at a comparatively lower rate. After procuring lack of extension work at field. In case of big reelers it
silk from every reelers, middleman brought that silk to was around 73%. (Table 1 & Fig. 1) which also supports
Berhampore town and sold that silk at a comparatively the above statements.
higher rate to local Mahajans. An individual reeler
cannot do it because selling of only 4-5 kg silks at ™™ Lack of Basic Education
Berhampore town cannot be profitable. In this junction Extension and Education are the complementary to
middle man works as a complementary of cooperative each other. Without basic education, extension cannot
system at Khargram Block. So, a proper cooperative disseminate to all strata of our society. In our study area,
silk marketing system can help poor reelers to get rid the Villages of Khargram Block are too much interior
from that condition. But, Sarkar et al. (2015) stated that and the communication system is worse still now, which
interventions of Mahajans are also very prominent at is also a reason for lack of basic education and extension.
that Zone. They easily exploited both poor reelers and A large number of sericulturists, reelers and weavers
weavers. Sarkar et al. (2015) also stated that the main are illiterate in the district. Present study indicates that
reason behind that is sometimes Samitis procure clothes 73% small reelers and 57% big reelers have no basic
straight from Mahajans by completely ignoring their education ( Table 1 & Fig. 1). It ultimately hinders in
reelers and weavers. common dissemination of basic technology at farmers’
level.
™™ Unavailability of credits from Government
If we see the marketing opportunities there one things ™™ Less Wages Rate
is clear that reelrs are take loans from their ‘mahajans’ Human beings are doing their business for their own
due to unavailability of Government helps in time and profit. But in reeling sector the picture is quite different
that’s why they are bound to shell theirs raw silk to these than others. The reelers not get proper wages for their
particular mahajans. In Khargram Block, 93% small work. According to Das, (2015) most of the reelers of
reelers and 87 % big reelers complined about this matter the district are engaged in reeling activity under the
(Table 1 & Fig. 1). Govt and Banking facilities become mahajans and middlemen at a fixed wage rate basis. The
meager for the small reelers. The main reason behind wage rates allowed by the mahajans and the middlemen
that is past experience of banking sectors were very bad for production of 1 kg of silk yarn are ` 180 and ` 190
in terms of returning of loans. Miss utilization of fund respectively in the year 2011-12. The mahajans and
is also main reason behind those problems. Sarkar et al. middlemen sell the reeled yarns in the market at a higher
(2015) stated that big reelers at Raninagar-I Block were rate. Thus, most of the reelers have no any direct contact
benefited upto some extent because they sometimes with the weavers of the district. In our study area, the

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 Majumdar et.al

wages rate is about 200-250 in the year 2016-2017. Which ™™ Source of Credit for the weavers
is still less than other sectors and if we see the survey The result indicates that on an average 52 % weavers take
result then we see that the small reelers are facing too credit from Samitis and rest of 48 % take credits from
much problem in this part. 100 % small relers and 90% Mahajans (Table 2 & Fig. 2). Weavers who get credit for
small reelers complained about the wages rate. Due to samitis sell their product to samitis and weavers who
this reason some rellers migrate to other sectors. get credit from Mahajans sell their product to Mahajans
™™ Lack of interest of future generation in this trade (Table 2 & Fig. 3).
Future generations are astringents and carrier of any ™™ Place of marketing for weavers.
industry. But present study indicates that only 33% of The private weavers purchase silk yarns either from
small reelers and 20% big reelers in Khargram block of the open market or from the individual reelers or from
future generation express their interest in that industry the middlemen at a high rate and sell their produce to
or take reeling as a profession in future (Table 1 & Fig. the local dealers or middlemen or at the local market.
1).Various problems associated with the Industry really The sale of silk fabrics produced by the private weavers
makes that Industry meaningless in front of future is being made through their own Sales Emporium
generation. This is a real threat to that heritage Industry established at the different parts of the district. The
of Murshidabad District. Silk Weavers Co-operative Societies purchase silk yarns
from the silk marketing channels of the government
In weaving sectors weavers are facing following
like Tantuja, Tantushree, Manjusha etc. for weaving silk
problems at field level
clothes. Sometimes the societies procure silk yarns from
™™ Nature of Wages in the weaving Industry and the private sources if not available from the Government
Interest of future generation in this trade sources due to shortage of stock, non-payment of dues
100% weavers in our study area are not satisfied with etc. The Silk Weavers Co-operative Societies in the
their wages provided by samitis / Khadis or Mahajans district sell their produce to their marketing channels–
(Table 2 & Fig. 4). This observation is laid by the Tantuja, Tantushree, Manjusha, Bangashree etc. of
Secretary “Gayespur Rashem Khadi O Gram Uddyog Government of West Bengal. The payment is made 50%
Samity”, that in our district mainly three types of ‘Silk in cash and 50% in the form of supplying raw materials
Than’ are made viz. 1800 ST, 2000 ST and 1800 DT. to the co-operatives namely, yarn cash payments from
According to him the wages rate of various types of the marketing channels. Sometimes the societies sell
‘Than’ are different. Generally weavers earned of ` 500- their products to the silk merchants, middlemen, etc.
550, ` 550-650 and ` 650-700 for ‘1800 ST’, 2000ST and The result also indicates that substantial numbers of
1800 DT respectively. To prepare a ‘Than’ minimum 3-4 weavers are dependent on Mahajans interms of taking
days are required which is equal to 3- 4 man days. credit and selling their products (Table 2 & Fig. 3). The
So, from weaving a weaver earn ` 150 to ` 175 per main reason behind that is there is a scope of getting
day which is very less than other sector. Now normal 100% credit from Mahajans. Besides that sometimes
wages of a labour is almost ` 300-350/day (exact double) Samitis procure clothes straight from Mahajans by
according to nature of work. In this junction weavers completely ignoring their weavers. Even most of the
lose their interest in the weaving Industry. This also samitis are reluctant to provide warp material to their
fades the interest of future generation in this industry. weavers, in this junction weavers are forced to procure
Present study indicates that only 28% respondents of warp materials themselves.
future generation express their interest in that industry But care should be taken to take proper measures to
or take weaving at a profession in future (Table 2 & save the weavers from Mahajans. Because there is no
Fig. 4). limit in rate of interest, poor weavers take credit from
Mahajans. Recently with the help of SIDBI (a Central

208 International Journal of Social Science: Vol. 6 • No. 3 • Sep 2017

 A Critical Analysis on Major problems Faced by Reelers and Weavers of Silk Industry at Field Level in Murshidabad

Govt. undertaking organization), a nongovernmental of sophisticated looms particularly Power Lloom at

organization SAFHI has provided loan to weavers at weavers level. So this type of organizational effort is
a interest of 8% through UBI. But still this facility does essential for upliftment weaving Industry.
not become popular at weavers level. In the Present
survey weavers selected from Sebabrata are working Future Strategy
under Sevabrata so they are all getting raw materials ™™ An organized effort may be done in Murshidabad
and wages from Sevabrata. It ultimately reflects in the District to make poor rural people self sufficient
survey otherwise percentage of weavers dependent on to reel silk in country charka and earn significant
Mahajans will be increased. profit without much initial investment.
™™ Participation of women in weaving industry. ™™ Rural women can start their own venture in their
Participation of women in this industry is comparatively home. Availability of machineries and raw material,
higher. Present study indicates that 60% women are technical guidance and selling of products will be
interested in this sector (Table 2 & Fig. 4). Weaving is assured by the organization.
a delicate work which requires delicate skills in terms ™™ In this way a model sericulture village will be
preparation warp, preparation of wept, winding, developed which will justify the long heritage of
handloom weaving etc. Women can effectively do sericulture of Murshidabad district.
that. Present survey also reveals that organization like ™™ Implementation of Bivoltine seed Zone is essential
Sebabrata promote participation of women in weaving for conducting crossbreed rearing throughout
Industry. This is a good effort for empowerment of rural the year and ensures availability of raw materials
women. during lean period.
™™ Availability of raw material for weaving industry ™™ It will help to develop multiend reeling based
Present result indicates that almost 96% weavers are industry in West Bengal.
satisfied with the availability of raw materials (Table 2 ™™ In case of weaving sector organized efforts are
& Fig. 4). But most of the samitis are reluctant to provide necessary to provide raw materials, training,
warp material to their weavers, in this junction weavers proper wages and proper training to weavers.
are forced to procure warp materials themselves. Present study reveals that Sevabrata like NGO has
Sometimes free entries of Chinese silk helps the weavers taken necessary steps in this direction.
as well as Mahajans to procure their raw materials but
i.e. is not good for overall prospect of the industry. It CONCLUSION
may collapse our domestic silk industry. The Present study was undertaken to know the major
™™ Facilities of training for the weavers problems faced by reelers and weavers at field level
in Murshidabad District of West Bengal. There is
Present result indicates that in an around only 60%
undoubtedly a lot of potential for development of
weavers get training in the selected blocks (Table 2 & Fig.
sericulture in Murshidabad, if reeling and weaving
4). This is completely reverse as per observation laid by
sectors are properly improved. In our study we see that
Sarkar et al. (2010) and also Sarkar & Majumdar, (2017).
the availability of raw material is the major problem
According to them that in an around only 10% weavers
throughout the year in reeling sector. But slowly this
get training in the Raghunathganj-I and Raghunathganj-
scarcity may decrease on introducing new silkworm
II Block. The main reason behind that in this study a
three way crossbreed Nistari × (SK6 × SK7). This three
major portion of weavers are selected from Sevabrata
way cross breed can withstand high temperature
and its adjoining place where organization himself takes
and high humidity (Sarkar and Majumdar, 2017).
the burden of providing training to their weavers. Lack
Extension worker and government should care about
of training is the main reason behind the ill development
that the rearers can get the seeds of this cross breeds
of skill of the weavers. It prevents implementation

International Journal of Social Science: Vol. 6 • No. 3 • Sep 2017 209

 Majumdar et.al

throughout the year. Another good news for reelers Das, S.K., Pattnaik, S., Ghosh, B., Singh, T., Nair, B.P., Sen, S.K.
and weavers that at Shibpur (Nabagram Block) a and Subba Rao, G. 1994. Heterosis analysis in some three way
crosses of Bombyx mori L., Sericologia, 34(1): 51-61.
Private entrepreneur established Multiend automatic
reeling unit under “Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Das, S.K., Chattopadhyay, G.K., Moorthy, S.M., Verma, A.K.,
Ghosh, B., Rao, P.R.T., Sengupta, A.K. and Sarkar, A. 2006.
Development Scheme” (Ministry of Textile Govt. of Silkworm Breeds and Hybrids for Eastern Region. In
India). In this way this type of small reeling industry Appropriate Technology in Mulberry Sericulture for Eastern and
should be established in our district. This industry North Eastern India (17th and 18th January, 2006) workshop
can mitigate the problem of raw materials of weaving organized by CSR&TI, Berhampore, pp. 91-96.
industry. The post-cocoon sector should be boosted so Functioning of Central Silk Board & Performance of Indian Silk
that the entire cocoon produce is consumed within the Industry-As on April, 2017.
district. So proper initiations at every level are desirable Giridhar, K. and Ramesha, M.N. 2003. Compendium of Statistics
for making the marketing system efficient. Efficient of Silk Industry .Published by Central Silk Board.
marketing organization may help in arresting wide Giridhar, K. and Sampath, J. 1999. Compendium of Statistics of
fluctuations in prices of cocoons, silk yarns and silk Silk Industry. Published by Central Silk Board.
fabrics. It will stabilize market trends. Local markets Inbanathan, Anand, 1993. Schedule Caste Women in Reeling
may stimulate rearing, reeling and weaving operations Industry, Indian Silk, 32(7): 13-21.

and thus improve silk industry in the district solving the Krishnaswami, S. 1978. New technology of Silkworm rearing.
CSR&TI, Mysore, pp. 1-10.
financing problems.
Rangswami, S., Narasimhanna, M.N., Kasiviswanthan, K., Sastry,
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