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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

North East India is rich in seri-biodiversity being a natural abode for a number of sericigenous insects and their host plant genotypes. Their occurrence is closely link with the climatic conditions of the area, topography, altitude and availability of host plants. Among various wild silk moths available in North East India, Muga, Eri, OakTasar are endemic prerogative and categorized under the Vanya silk moths of India. Muga, Antheraea assamensis Helfer (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), the golden silk of India, is a very important bioresource, a pride possession of India, produced nowhere else in the world. By nature, Muga silkworm is reared outdoor on its primary host plants Som (Persea bombycina) and Soalu (Litsea monopetala) and these host plants are naturally available in different geographical region of North East India. However, from the various survey conducted, it was revealed that population of A. assamensis Helfer is dwindling gradually due to different anthropogenic factors. The most important direct causes of depletion of the important genetic resources of Muga silk moths may be attributed to the rapid deforestation, urbanization and unprecedented climatic condition. To conserve this rare species, biodiversity conservation is increasingly recognized as a fundamental component of sustainable development of natural resources by protecting and using biological resources in the ways that do not diminish the world's variety of genes and species or destroy important habitat or ecosystem. The wild Muga silkmoth, constitutes a significant component of wild silk moth genetic diversity that cannot be ignored in the conservation and utilization of its potential to increase the Muga silk production in future and to increase farmers income generation.

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