About the Book: 

Eri Culture – Rearing of Ahimsa Silk is a book that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of India and its commitment to principles such as truth, righteousness, peace, love, and non-violence. The book explores the fascinating world of Eri silkworms, also known as Samia cynthia ricini, and their ability to spin silk without harming the pupa. This makes Eri silk production a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional silk production.

The author delves into the history of India, highlighting its resilience in the face of invasions and attempts to dismantle its cultural heritage. Despite these challenges, India has preserved its treasure of culture and is now on the path to economic and scientific recovery. The book also emphasizes the significance of the ahimsa principle, which played a crucial role in India's fight for political freedom against British rule.

In addition to exploring the cultural and historical aspects, the book offers practical knowledge on Eri culture. It covers essential topics such as host plants, the life cycle of Eri silkworms, artificial diet for rearing, genetic diversity, and the role of the environment in eri silk production. The book also highlights the potential of Eri silk production to improve the livelihoods of rural households, especially women and those in economically disadvantaged communities.

Contents:

1.    Introduction

2.    Nomenclature and Biodiversity of ERI Silkworm

3.    Host Plants of ERI Silkworm and their Exploitation for Enhanced Silk Production

4.    Artificial Diet for Rearing Eri Silkworm and Other Related Silkworms

5.    Life Cycle and Rearing Technology of Eri Silkworm

6.    Rearing of Eri Silkworm on Castor

7.    Rearing Performance of Eri Silkworm on Other Host Plants

8.    Biology and Rearing Performance of Other Silk Worms

9.    Exploitation of Genetic Diversity in Eri Silkworm for Rearing Performance and Amenability

10. Role of Environmental Factors on Biology of Eri Silkworm

11. Participation, Empowerment and Constraints of Rural Women in Ericulture/Sericulture

12. Value Addition and by Products of Eri Silkworm

13. Role of Extension Strategies in Eri Culture

About the Author:

Dr. V. Lakshmi Narayanamma, a Professor at Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, has forged an illustrious career in agricultural research. Excelling in her academic journey, she pursued Biology, Physics, and Chemistry for her Intermediate studies before enrolling in B. Sc (Ag) at the College of Agriculture, Tirupati. Her contributions extend from significant achievements in genetic research on resistance to Pod borer in Chickpea to groundbreaking work in eri culture, where she initiated a project benefiting resource-poor farmers and authored a Telugu book on the subject. With 49 published research papers, a book on Oilseed Crops - Integrated Pest and Disease Management Practices, and four training manuals, Dr. Narayanamma's dedication to advancing agricultural sciences is evident, earning her recognition as a Senior Scientist and the Young Scientist award.