SERICULTURE is a branch of science dealing with silk production. It is an agro-industry, playing an eminent role in the rural economy of India. Historically, sericulture was introduced for the first time, into China by Hoshomin, the Queen of China. For a long time, sericulture was considered to be a national secret by the Chinese Government, and as an industry it was not known in other countries. Later, it was introduced into Europe and Japan. According to reports available, sericulture was introduced into India about 400 years back.