The rearing of silkworms for obtaining silk is called sericulture. Sericulture is a very old occupation in India. It is the cultivation of silkworms to produce silk. Sericulture is an industry that is characterised by a two-step process, the cultivation of mulberry trees and the rearing of silkworms on mulberry leaves to produce cocoons. According to the International Sericulture Commission, China is the largest producer and supplier of silk in the world. While, India is the second largest producer of silk and silk products.

The damaged or waste cocoons are used to produce an inferior quality of silk called spun silk. Spun silk is used for shantung, pile fabrics, dress trimmings and linings, elastic webbing, sewing silk, summer weight silks etc. The waste derived from the processing of spun silk yearn is also used.