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

Karnataka leads India in mulberry silk production, supported by a strong network of government-regulated seed cocoon markets that protect farmers livelihoods. This study compares multivoltine and bivoltine seed cocoon markets during 2023-2024, looking at market capacity, transaction volumes, prices, payments and institutional links. In total, 80 farmers were surveyed across eight regulated markets (four multivoltine and four bivoltine). The results show that farming is led by middle-aged (41-45 years), marginal and small-scale farmers who mostly use subsidies for rearing houses (38.3% in multivoltine and 40.6% in bivoltine). Farmers harvest 6 to 7 crops annually in multivoltine areas and 5 to 6 in bivoltine. High-volume markets like Magadi (multivoltine) and Tumkur (bivoltine) dominate both averaging 400 kg/day in transactions with high farmer participation (1,050 and 1,450 farmers, respectively). These markets have strong support networks: Magadi connects to 20 Government Grainages and 120 Licensed Seed Producers (LSPs), while Tumkur has 22 grainages. Financially, bivoltine cocoons fetched higher prices (Rs. 1,300-1,800/kg) than multivoltine (Rs. 1,200-1,600/kg). Defective (jaali) cocoons saw a huge drop in price, selling for just Rs. 200-280/kg (multivoltine) and Rs. 180-258/kg (bivoltine). To offset these losses, the government provides a Rs. 120/kg production incentive, plus a Rs. 225/kg diversion subsidy when cocoons must be sent for reeling. Payments have modernized; online transfers cover 90% of transactions in Magadi and 100% in Hassan. To improve the system, the government needs to upgrade market infrastructure, fix payment delays, and solve major problems for farmers like sudden daily price changes and transit damage (meltage).