What is meant by the term sericulture? State the factors responsible for the concentration of silk industry in Karnataka.

The art of rearing silkworms for silk production is called sericulture.

The factors responsible for the concentration of silk industry in Karnataka are:

1. Availability of favourable climate for rearing silkworm.
2. Availability of the mulberry plant which is raised as a plantation bush.
3. Availability of the silkworm known as Bombyxmori which is reared throughout the year.
4. In Mysuru, raising silkworms, reeling and weaving of raw silk is one of the main occupations of people. Reeling is a process in which the worm is boiled in water and the silk fibre is pulled out.
5. Availability of abundant soft water free from alkaline salt and iron.
6. Recent introduction of a new technology of handling Bombyxmori.
7. Sericulture provides employment for women folk in rearing silkworm while men work in the plantation.