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Journal of Environmental Biology

pISSN: 0254-8704 ; eISSN: 2394-0379 ; CODEN: JEBIDP
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    Abstract - Issue May 2023, 44 (3)                                     Back


nstantaneous and historical temperature effects on a-pinene

Development of novel tasar cultivation zones and conservation of vanya silkworms in ecologically-restored sites within degraded mined-out areas of Purnapani, Odisha

 

V.K.Choudhary1,2*, P. Bhardwaj1, P.K. Kar3, S. Mazumdar-Leighton1 and C.R. Babu2

 

1Department of Botany, Plant-Biotic Interactions Group, University of Delhi, New Delhi- 110 007, India

2Centre for Environmental Management of Degraded Ecosystems, University of Delhi, Delhi- 110 007, India

3Basic Seed Multiplication and Training Center, Central Silk Board, Korba-495 449, India

*Corresponding Author Email : vivekchy007@gmail.com                     *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1893-5664

 

Received: 17.12.2022                                                                                             Revised: 08.04.2023                                                                                  Accepted: 13.04.2023

 

 

Abstract

Aim: The aim was to develop tasar cultivation zones by introducing diverse tasar host plant species at mined out sites undergoing ecological restoration for generating sustainable livelihood option for local tribals.

Methodology: The site selected for vanya sericulture was an integral part of ecologically restored 250 -acres limestone/dolomite mined out area of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).Tasar cultivation zones were developed by planting saplings of host plant species viz, Terminalia tomentosa (Roxb.) ex DC., Terminalia arjuna Wright & Arn., Terminalia belerica (Gaertn) Roxb, Ziziphus mauritiana Lam., Terminalia chebula Retz. and Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels. These cultivation zones are currently scattered among nine forest communities that were developed by growing saplings of more than 260 native species of trees and shrubs, besides ground vegetation, using ecosystem approach. Women self-help groups were formed and trained in rearing of tasar silkworms as well as making tasar-based products to ensure continuous practice of tasar silkworm culture at these novel cultivation zones.

Results: During early ecological stages of ecosystem redevelopment through restoration of the habitat, it was observed that wild tasar moths laid eggs and silkworms spun cocoons, albeit in very small quantity, indicating suitability of foliage as food for larvae. In the year 2019-2020 alone, an estimated one lakh cocoons were produced from DFLs procured from CTRTI, Ranchi,and sent to the market/stored as seed cocoon. The average income per member of self-help group from sale of tasar cocoons was Rs 7, 855 (INR) annually.  

Interpretation: The restored ecosystems in the limestone/dolomite mined-out areas of SAIL at Purnapani serve as an excellent model for conservation of Tasar gene pools and sustainable livelihood development that can be replicated elsewhere. Hence, this practise can serve as an excellent model for replication elsewhere.

Key words: Biodiversity, Ecological restoration, Livelihood, Mined out areas, Self-help group, Tasar silkworm

 

 

 

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