ANNOUNCEMENTS
Tasar silk, the queen of silk, is known for its golden color, grainy texture, and luxurious touch, as India is the world’s second-largest producer. Concentrated in tribal and rural regions across Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh, Tasar sericulture supports livelihoods. Still, it faces challenges from environmental fluctuations, disease outbreaks, and traditional, manual rearing practices. Recent data shows that there is a sharp 57% decline in production between 2020 and 2023, underscoring the urgent need for modernization.
To address these challenges, the Central Silk Board (CSB), with the help of North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), has introduced real-time data applications named TasarGeoTag and e-Cocoon, leveraging geospatial technology and Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time monitoring, traceability, and quality assurance in Tasar sericulture. While their various technical functionalities are documented, empirical evidence on their socio-economic impact and adoption dynamics on the lives of Tasar Sericulturists remains scarce.
This research employs Prospect Theory to analyze stakeholder adoption behavior by assessing perceived expected gains (e.g., skill development, women’s income enhancement, cost reduction) against perceived expected losses (e.g., mistrust in digital tools, loss of autonomy, mismatch with local practices). With a field survey from 186 respondents, the study finds that the perceived expected gains from adopting these real-time data applications significantly outweigh the perceived expected losses. This positive perception strongly influences productivity, transparency, and livelihood outcomes, although concerns over digital literacy and trust in traditional practices remain as adoption barriers.
By moving beyond a purely technical perspective, this thesis offers nuanced insights into the behavioral and economic transformations facilitated by digital tools in Tasar sericulture. The findings inform policy and program design aimed at fostering sustainable, inclusive growth in forest-based and tribal economies through digital integration.
Key words: Tasar sericulture, Real-time data applications, Prospect Theory, Socio-economic impact, Digital adoption.
