Authors : Sharyu. V. Ghonmode
Page Nos : 109-114
Description :
Sericulture is well-established agro-cottage industry under informal sector. Poor, rural and tribal people of India gets employment via sericulture to generates nearly 25,000 crores of which Rs. 2500 crores are generated by foreign exchange by employing 5 lakh rearers and rest of them are reelers,twisters, weavers, printers etc. Sericulture involves hatching of eggs up to reeling. Although life cycle of silkworm is eco-friendly but there are several health hazards in which the workers are exposed to various health problems due to lack of education, poor nutrition, and unawareness about the hazards of their occupation. Silk manufacturing involves cultivation of mulberry and non-mulberry food plants, rearing of silkworms, grainages, reeling of filaments, twisting, weaving, printing and dyeing. It has been observed that women are more prone to the health hazards as compared to men. The organic dust comes from hay, grain, fuel chips, straw, and livestock. It also includes molds, pollens, bacteria, pesticides, chemicals, feed and bedding particles, and animal particles including hair, feathers, and droppings. Its long term exposure is toxic may cause asthma and lung cancer. It is therefore very important to check the health, safety, welfare and protection of the workers to reduce the illness and problems.
