Integrating Mulberry Nematode Ecology and Soil Health in NEP 2020 Towards safeguarding the silk heritage of Manipur
|
Loukrakpam Bina Chanu and N Mohilal Meitei
Manipur’s silk heritage dates back thousands of years, with references found in ancient texts like the Puya and Moirang Kang-leirol, which document the use of silk by royalty and its role in ceremonial attire. The region is known for producing three types of silk—mulberry, eri, and muga—each woven into distinctive fabrics that reflect the State’s rich ethnic diversity. Traditionally, weaving was considered an essential skill for Manipuri women, not only as a cultural rite but also as a source of household income.
Today, silk production remains a thriving cottage industry in Manipur, especially in rural areas where sericulture offers employment with minimal invest- ment and quick returns. The Department of Sericulture actively promotes training, research, and sustainable practices to enhance productivity and preserve indi- genous techniques. Mani-puri silk is prized for its texture, durability, and vibrant natural dyes, making it a sought-after material in both domestic and international markets.
Beyond economics, silk weaving in Manipur is a symbol of identity and resilience. It connects genera- tions through shared craftsmanship and sustains cultural narratives through motifs and patterns unique to each community. As global interest in ethical and artisanal textiles grows, Manipur’s silk sector stands poised to gain recognition—not just as a fabric, but as a living tradition woven into the soul of the state.
In recent years, Manipuri silk has emerged as a standout in global textile expos, including the prestigious Manipur International Textile Expo (MANITEX), which attracts handloom buyers from over 16 countries. The silk’s appeal lies in its unique blend of heritage and sustainability—c rafted using natural dyes, breathable fabrics, and traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations. These qualities align well with the growing global demand for ethical and eco-conscious fashion.
Manipuri silk sarees, in particular, are celebrated for their lightweight texture, glossy finish, and intricate embroidery, often featuring minimalist patterns and cultural motifs. Verified suppliers offer customizable designs, making them attractive to international retailers and designers seeking exclusive, limited- edition pieces. The emphasis on ethical production and heritage revival further enhances their value in markets that prioritize crafts- manship and sustainability.
Technological studies have also highlighted the durability and comfort of Manipuri silk fabrics, reinforcing their suitability for both traditional wear and contemporary fashion applications. As global consu- mers become more aware of the stories behind their garments, Manipuri silk stands out not just as a textile, but as a narrative of resilience, artistry, and cultural pride.
In Manipur, mulberry cultivation is deeply intertwined with the sericulture industry, which provides year-round income for thousands of rural families. Unlike seasonal crops, mulberry is a perennial plant that supports continuous silkworm rearing, making it a reliable source of livelihood. The leaves of the mulberry plant are the exclusive diet of Bombyx mori, the domesticated silkworm species used in producing high-quality mulberry silk. Without a steady supply of nutritious mulberry leaves, silkworms cannot thrive, and silk production suffers.
Recent studies have emphasized the suitability of Manipur’s climate and soil for mulberry cultivation. Loamy soils, moderate rainfall, and temperatures between 20–30°C create ideal conditions for mulberry growth. Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping has further identified optimal zones for expanding plantations, enhancing productivity and sustainability.
Beyond its economic value, mulberry cultivation contributes to environmental health. The plant’s deep roots help prevent soil erosion, and its cultivation requires fewer chemical inputs compared to other crops. This makes sericul-ture an eco-friendly alterna- tive for land use in hilly and erosion-prone areas of Manipur. Mulberry also plays a role in cultural continuity. Traditional wea- ving and silk production are embedded in Manipuri heritage, and the availability of mulberry leaves ensures that these practices can be sustained across generations. Government initia- tives and research institutions continue to promote mulberry-based sericulture as a tool for poverty alleviation and rural develop- ment. In essence, mulberry is not just a plant—it’s the lifeline of Manipur’s silk economy, a pillar of sustainable agriculture, and a thread that weaves together tradition, livelihood, and ecological balance.
Soil health is the foundation of productive agricul- ture, while root parasites like nematodes can severely undermine it by damaging plant roots and disrupting nutrient uptake. Healthy soil is a living ecosystem that supports plant growth, water filtration, and carbon storage. It influences Nutrient cycling and Micro- organisms that break down organic matter releasing nutrients for plants.
Water retention capacity in the form of Good soil structure that holds water efficiently reducing irrigation needs and plant resilience that included healthy soil that fosters strong root systems that resist stress and disease are the other influences of soil. It also reduces erosion and runoff protecting near-by ecosystems under the Environmental Protection.
Root parasites, particularly plant-parasitic nema- todes, are microscopic worms that attack plant roots. Their impact includes : Root damage - they puncture roots with stylets, causing lesions and reducing root function; Stunted growth - Infected plants often show poor development, yellowing, and wilting; Yield loss - Severe infestations can lead to significant crop losses, especially in vegetables and grains; Soil imbalance- parasitic nematodes disrupt the microbial balance, making soil less productive.
But not all nematodes are bad. In fact, many are beneficial. Free-living nematodes help decompose organic matter and control pests. Management practices like crop rotation, organic amendments, and biological controls can reduce harmful nematodes while supporting beneficial ones.
Beneath the soil’s surface lies a world teeming with life—some of it beneficial and some dange- rously destructive.
(To be contd)
Manipur’s silk heritage dates back thousands of years, with references found in ancient texts like the Puya and Moirang Kang-leirol, which document the use of silk by royalty and its role in ceremonial attire. The region is known for producing three types of silk—mulberry, eri, and muga—each woven into distinctive fabrics that reflect the State’s rich ethnic diversity. Traditionally, weaving was considered an essential skill for Manipuri women, not only as a cultural rite but also as a source of household income.
Today, silk production remains a thriving cottage industry in Manipur, especially in rural areas where sericulture offers employment with minimal invest- ment and quick returns. The Department of Sericulture actively promotes training, research, and sustainable practices to enhance productivity and preserve indi- genous techniques. Mani-puri silk is prized for its texture, durability, and vibrant natural dyes, making it a sought-after material in both domestic and international markets.
Beyond economics, silk weaving in Manipur is a symbol of identity and resilience. It connects genera- tions through shared craftsmanship and sustains cultural narratives through motifs and patterns unique to each community. As global interest in ethical and artisanal textiles grows, Manipur’s silk sector stands poised to gain recognition—not just as a fabric, but as a living tradition woven into the soul of the state.
In recent years, Manipuri silk has emerged as a standout in global textile expos, including the prestigious Manipur International Textile Expo (MANITEX), which attracts handloom buyers from over 16 countries. The silk’s appeal lies in its unique blend of heritage and sustainability—c rafted using natural dyes, breathable fabrics, and traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations. These qualities align well with the growing global demand for ethical and eco-conscious fashion.
Manipuri silk sarees, in particular, are celebrated for their lightweight texture, glossy finish, and intricate embroidery, often featuring minimalist patterns and cultural motifs. Verified suppliers offer customizable designs, making them attractive to international retailers and designers seeking exclusive, limited- edition pieces. The emphasis on ethical production and heritage revival further enhances their value in markets that prioritize crafts- manship and sustainability.
Technological studies have also highlighted the durability and comfort of Manipuri silk fabrics, reinforcing their suitability for both traditional wear and contemporary fashion applications. As global consu- mers become more aware of the stories behind their garments, Manipuri silk stands out not just as a textile, but as a narrative of resilience, artistry, and cultural pride.
In Manipur, mulberry cultivation is deeply intertwined with the sericulture industry, which provides year-round income for thousands of rural families. Unlike seasonal crops, mulberry is a perennial plant that supports continuous silkworm rearing, making it a reliable source of livelihood. The leaves of the mulberry plant are the exclusive diet of Bombyx mori, the domesticated silkworm species used in producing high-quality mulberry silk. Without a steady supply of nutritious mulberry leaves, silkworms cannot thrive, and silk production suffers.
Recent studies have emphasized the suitability of Manipur’s climate and soil for mulberry cultivation. Loamy soils, moderate rainfall, and temperatures between 20–30°C create ideal conditions for mulberry growth. Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping has further identified optimal zones for expanding plantations, enhancing productivity and sustainability.
Beyond its economic value, mulberry cultivation contributes to environmental health. The plant’s deep roots help prevent soil erosion, and its cultivation requires fewer chemical inputs compared to other crops. This makes sericul-ture an eco-friendly alterna- tive for land use in hilly and erosion-prone areas of Manipur. Mulberry also plays a role in cultural continuity. Traditional wea- ving and silk production are embedded in Manipuri heritage, and the availability of mulberry leaves ensures that these practices can be sustained across generations. Government initia- tives and research institutions continue to promote mulberry-based sericulture as a tool for poverty alleviation and rural develop- ment. In essence, mulberry is not just a plant—it’s the lifeline of Manipur’s silk economy, a pillar of sustainable agriculture, and a thread that weaves together tradition, livelihood, and ecological balance.
Soil health is the foundation of productive agricul- ture, while root parasites like nematodes can severely undermine it by damaging plant roots and disrupting nutrient uptake. Healthy soil is a living ecosystem that supports plant growth, water filtration, and carbon storage. It influences Nutrient cycling and Micro- organisms that break down organic matter releasing nutrients for plants.
Water retention capacity in the form of Good soil structure that holds water efficiently reducing irrigation needs and plant resilience that included healthy soil that fosters strong root systems that resist stress and disease are the other influences of soil. It also reduces erosion and runoff protecting near-by ecosystems under the Environmental Protection.
Root parasites, particularly plant-parasitic nema- todes, are microscopic worms that attack plant roots. Their impact includes : Root damage - they puncture roots with stylets, causing lesions and reducing root function; Stunted growth - Infected plants often show poor development, yellowing, and wilting; Yield loss - Severe infestations can lead to significant crop losses, especially in vegetables and grains; Soil imbalance- parasitic nematodes disrupt the microbial balance, making soil less productive.
But not all nematodes are bad. In fact, many are beneficial. Free-living nematodes help decompose organic matter and control pests. Management practices like crop rotation, organic amendments, and biological controls can reduce harmful nematodes while supporting beneficial ones.
Beneath the soil’s surface lies a world teeming with life—some of it beneficial and some dange- rously destructive.
(To be contd)