Commercialization of Sericulture TechnologiesInnovations
Commercialization of Sericulture Technologies and Innovations in Uganda project was part of the innovation projects which were supported by Innovation Fund in the FY2017/2018 in accordance with guidelines from H.E The President of the Republic of Uganda to support scientists to commercialize their innovations. Since its inception, this project is partly supported by the Government of Uganda through The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations (MoSTI) and supervised by The Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST).
Sericulture is the art and science of rearing silkworms for the production of raw silk. It involves the cultivation of mulberry, the feeding of silkworms, and the processing of silk. Silk, a natural protein fiber, is woven into textiles. Sericulture is an eco-friendly, labor-intensive, and commercially attractive economic activity, contributing to the cottage and small-scale sector. The entire sericulture enterprise, from mulberry cultivation to fabric making, forms a long chain industry.
Key Features:
Eco-friendly agro-based industry.
Labor-intensive and commercially attractive.
Long chain industry from mulberry cultivation to fabric making.
Project Overview
At TRIDI, we are dedicated to transforming Uganda’s sericulture industry through the “Commercialization of Sericulture Technologies” project. This initiative aims to leverage cutting-edge research outputs to propel sericulture from subsistence to sustainable commercial production.
Achievements
Total Acreage: 2,000 acres acquired for the Sericulture project. Additional land acquired in Kayunga (400 acres), Nwoya (170 acres), Bukedeya (50 acres), and Kween (100 acres). Target acreage is 50,000 acres.
Equipment Installation: The first set of next-generation equipment for post-cocoon technologies and innovations is almost complete in Sheema and Kween. Capacity building for Ugandans to operate these processing lines is underway.
Silkworm Rearing: Initiated with over 7,000 kgs harvested since last year.
District Expansion: 2,000 acres acquired in 26 districts, with over 39 stations established. Two stations in Kween and Sheema have post-cocoon processing factories. All 39 stations can rear silkworms and produce cocoons.
Project Vision
Increase industrialization and export development through sustainable adoption of Sericulture technologies and innovations in Uganda.
Project Mission
To achieve excellence in utilizing Next Generation Research Outputs (NGROs) to transform Uganda’s sericulture industry from subsistence to sustainable commercial production.
Project Aim and Goal
Promote the development of the Silk Industry, creating gainful employment, improving income in Sericulture, and increasing domestic production of Silk and its by-products.
Project Objectives
Sustainably transfer new technologies for increased economic growth and job creation.
Commercialize sericulture technologies and innovations in Uganda.
Popularize Sericulture activities to enhance rural income.
Advise the government on matters related to the silk industry.
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Major Patners
Achievements
01/ Total Acreage
2,000 acres acquired for the Sericulture project. Additional land acquired in Kayunga (400 acres), Nwoya (170 acres), Bukedeya (50 acres), and Kween (100 acres). Target acreage is 50,000 acres.
02/ Equipment Installation
The first set of next-generation equipment for post-cocoon technologies and innovations is almost complete in Sheema and Kween. Capacity building for Ugandans to operate these processing lines is underway.
03/Silkworm Rearing
Initiated with over 7,000 kgs harvested since last year.
04/ District Expansion
2,000 acres acquired in 26 districts, with over 39 stations established. Two stations in Kween and Sheema have post-cocoon processing factories. All 39 stations can rear silkworms and produce cocoons.
Job Creation
Export Development
Acreage Expansion
Silk Yarn Production
Rural Income Enhancement
Disease-Free Egg Production
Skills Development
Awareness and Adoption
Mulberry Cultivation
TRIDI has setup the Sericulture Research and Technology Transfer Centersequipped with state-of-the-art facilities where farmers and extension workers are trained in production techniques,research is conducted on mulberry and silkworm breeding, and disease-free egg production facilities are established.
Project Impact and Outcomes
Project Impact
The Commercialization of Sericulture Technologies project aims to make a lasting impact on various aspects of Uganda’s economy and society. Through the sustainable adoption of sericulture technologies and innovations, the project envisions significant changes that will contribute to the country’s development.
Economic Impact
Job Creation: The project targets increased economic growth by 5%, resulting in improved household incomes and the creation of new employment opportunities.
Export Development: By enhancing the sericulture industry, the project aims to contribute to increased industrialization and promote the export of silk products.
Acreage Expansion: Increasing the acreage under mulberry cultivation from 200 acres to the targeted 50,000 acres will positively impact the agricultural sector.
Silk Yarn Production: The project’s goal of boosting silk yarn production from 0 to 2,200 metric tonnes annually will contribute to the textile and manufacturing industries.
Social Impact
Rural Income Enhancement: Popularizing sericulture activities, especially in rural areas, is expected to enhance the income of local communities.
Skills Development: Training programs for farmers and extension staff will not only boost the sericulture sector but also contribute to skill development and capacity building.
Awareness and Adoption: Creating awareness about sericulture technologies will empower communities to adopt sustainable practices, fostering a culture of innovation.
Environmental Impact
Mulberry Cultivation: The project’s emphasis on increasing mulberry cultivation contributes to sustainable agricultural practices.
Disease-Free Egg Production: Research on evaluating germ-plasm resources aims to improve breeding techniques, reducing the impact of diseases in the sericulture ecosystem.
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Project Outcomes
The anticipated outcomes of the project reflect the positive changes expected in various areas, directly aligning with the project’s objectives.
Technology Transfer: Increased transfer and adoption of new technologies in commercial sericulture.
Acreage Expansion: Expansion of mulberry cultivation from 200 acres to the targeted 50,000 acres.
Silk Yarn Production: Growth in silk yarn production from 0 kgs to 2,200 metric tonnes annually.
Integration of Science and Technology: Enhanced integration of science and technology into the national development process.
Establishment of Research Centers: Creation of Sericulture Research and Technology Transfer Centers.
Equipped Facilities: Facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technology for sericulture research and development.
Trained Workforce: Training of farmers and extension workers with advanced production techniques.
Awareness Creation: Successful creation of awareness on sericulture technologies and innovations among rural communities.
The Commercialization of Sericulture Technologies project aspires to leave a lasting imprint on Uganda’s socio-economic landscape, fostering sustainable development and economic prosperity.
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By enrolling in the Four Bear Program, UM guarantees you will graduate in four years with a bachelor’s degree. Discover the global city—filled with inspiration, opportunities to explore.
By enrolling in the Four Bear Program, UM guarantees you will graduate in four years with a bachelor’s degree. Discover the global city—filled with inspiration, opportunities to explore.
By enrolling in the Four Bear Program, UM guarantees you will graduate in four years with a bachelor’s degree. Discover the global city—filled with inspiration, opportunities to explore.
