How Silkworm Pupae Are Key to a Sustainable Agri Industry

Silkworms have a fascinating dual identity - they are not just producers of luxurious fibres but also providers of nutritious sustenance. For centuries, various regions across Asia, including North East India, have embraced silkworms as a delicacy, appreciating their culinary versatility and rich nutritional content. In states like Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland, silkworms have ingrained themselves into local cuisine and culture, consumed in myriad forms - roasted, boiled, fried, or as a key ingredient in traditional dishes.

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In recent years, the global interest in alternative protein sources has brought silkworms into the limelight as a sustainable and nutritious food option.

Their remarkable nutritional profile, coupled with innovative approaches to utilising them effectively, has led to their recognition as a valuable resource across various industries.

Why Silkworms Silkworms are caterpillars of silk-producing

moths. When the silkworm approaches the pupa stage, it creates a protective cocoon out of raw silk. At the end of pupation, the pupa releases an enzyme that causes a hole in the cocoon, allowing the moth to emerge. To create silk, the pupae are destroyed by boiling, drying, or soaking in sodium hydroxide (NaOH) before they produce the enzyme. The spent pupae are produced in large quantities and are a significant byproduct of silk production. For 1 kg of raw silk, 8 kg of wet pupae (2 kg of dry pupae) are produced.

Silkworm pupae, once discarded as waste in the silk industry, have emerged as nutritional powerhouses. Rich in protein, essential amino acids, fats, vitamins, and minerals, silkworm pupae present a versatile solution for addressing nutritional deficiencies and promoting sustainable practices. As global awareness about food security and sustainability grows, the utilisation of silkworm pupae as a source of nutrition has gained momentum. Due to its high protein content, silkworm pupae meal has been found suitable as livestock feed, notably for monogastric species (poultry, pigs and fish), and also for ruminants.

Utility in Aquaculture and Poultry farming