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Objectives: To examine the profitability of mulberry cocoon production and to identify the reasons for marginalization of mulberry sericulture in West Bengal, India. Methods/Statistical analysis: The primary data pertaining to socio-economic status of farmers and costs & returns of mulberry cocoon production was collected from 240 respondents (Malda, Murshidabad & Birbhum) using pre-tested structured interview schedule following multi-stage purposive random sampling. The economics of mulberry cocoon production was worked out using budgeting technique. Findings: Mulberry cultivation in West Bengal was pronounced on marginal/small farms with average mulberry holding of 0.66 acre. Cost of production per kg of mulberry cocoon on marginal farms worked out to |283 and the profitability expressed in terms of the returns per rupee of expenditure was |1.47. Inadequate land holding and labour-intensive nature of mulberry cultivation are identified as major causes for marginalization of mulberry sericulture in West Bengal. Application/Improvements: The cost estimates will serve as the basis for policy-makers to intervene for the announcement of minimum support price in the event of price crash. Labour cost formed major chunk in the total cost of production of mulberry cocoon on marginal/small farms reelecting the scope for development of suitable implements & equipments for economizing mulberry sericulture. JEL classification: Q1 Keywords: Profitability; marginal farm; small farm; Mulberry sericulture; cocoon; budgeting technique

Aim: To compare the remunerativeness of Mulberry, Tasar, Eri and Muga based sericulture enterprises. Methodology: An empirical analysis was undertaken to compare the economics of mulberry and non-mulberry cocoon production in India, utilizing the available data from Central Silk Board using descriptive statistics and suitable ratios. Results: The study indicated that returns per rupee of investment in Mulberry (1.66), Tasar (1.60), Eri (1.88) and Muga (2.07) were higher compared to agriculture crop enterprises (National Silk Policy-2020), besides being of short duration with frequent assured income at least for three to six times in a year. Interpretation: The Mulberry and Eri silkworm cocoon production is highly remunerative enterprise and attracts the youths, because of its domesticated nature, short duration and women friendly enterprise. Key words: Cocoon production, Economics, Eco-friendly, Mulberry, Sericulture enterprises, Vanya

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