20.05.2025 10:23
In the Sason district of Batman, the products obtained from silkworm farming, which is an important source of livelihood for 150 families, are sold for 1,000 lira per kilogram. Veysel Aktaş, one of the young farmers who has been involved in silkworm rearing with his family for 10 years in Sason, stated, "When taken care of properly, it can provide a clean income."
Silkworm farming, which started 10 years ago by the Aktaş family with three families in Sason, continues to be a source of livelihood for many families in the district. Citizens engaged in silkworm farming in the villages of Karşıyaka and Dereköy are quite satisfied with the yield of the cocoons. Hasan Aktaş, who stated that they brought the silkworm business to the district, said that with the increase in breeding houses, silkworm farming has spread throughout the entire district.
"AFTER BAKING, WE COLLECT AND SELL TO THE COCOON UNION"
Aktaş mentioned that they brought silkworms to the district 10 years ago, saying, "It existed during our ancestors' time. However, it became a forgotten profession over time. We started this business to revive this profession. Initially, we start feeding the silkworms we brought by chopping mulberry leaves when they are small. As they grow and develop, we increase the size of the leaves we feed them. As they grow, we later leave the leaves along with the branches in front of them. After approximately 3 weeks of feeding, they enter a 72-hour sleep phase. When they wake up, we feed them as much mulberry leaves as we can. Then, within 8 days, they start to spin cocoons. Once the cocoons are spun, we let them rest for 10 days, and after baking, we collect them and offer them for sale to the cocoon union," he said.
"IT HAS BECOME A SOURCE OF LIVELIHOOD FOR 150 FAMILIES"
Aktaş expressed that they started this business with 3 families 10 years ago, stating, "With the support of the government, this business, which we have spread throughout the district, has now become a source of livelihood for 150 families. It is a labor-intensive job. It requires care like a child. The returns are also very good. If well cared for, a family can earn 100,000 lira from 100 kilos, and a family that gets 150 kilos can earn 150,000 lira. It is a good income opportunity in a short time. We want to further develop this business, but our resources are limited. If we receive support from the government, we aim to develop it even more," he said.
"WHEN WELL CARED FOR, A CLEAN INCOME CAN BE OBTAINED"
Veysel Aktaş, one of the young breeders who stated that they have been engaged in silkworm farming as a family for 10 years in Sason, said, "Silkworm farming is a profession inherited from the Ottoman Empire. We have been trying to keep this profession alive for 10 years. We earn our living from this profession. We started this business with 3 families. It lasts about a month. We only feed them with mulberry leaves. When well cared for, a clean income can be obtained. Initially, we feed them by grating the mulberry leaves. As the worms grow, we increase the size of the leaves we feed them. After the feeding process, we wait for them to start spinning by placing oak leaves on top. After they spin, we will start collecting them," he said. Sakine Aktaş, who stated that they do silkworm farming as a family, said, "It is an easy job. It lasts about a month. We work together as a family to feed them. Our work starts at 8 in the morning. We cut the mulberry leaves to feed them."