Silk Beyond Fabric: The Untapped World of Tasar Byproducts Tasar sericulture is one of India's most important forest-based livelihood activities, particularly in the tribal regions of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. The tropical tasar silkworm (Antheraea mylitta) produces a unique silk known for its natural golden-brown colour, durability, and rich texture. Traditionally, the focus of tasar sericulture has been on silk fibre production; however, recent scientific developments have revealed that several byproducts generated during the production process possess substantial economic, nutritional, medicinal, and industrial value. Tasar Byproducts A variety of byproducts are generated throughout the tasar value chain, including silkworm pupae, sericin, fibroin, cocoonase enzyme, exuviae (shed larval skins), cocoon cooking wastewater, litter, and host plant residues. These materials, which were once considered waste, are now being recognized as valuable resources capable of supporting sustainable rural enterprises and circular bioeconomy initiatives. Among the most important byproducts are silkworm pupae, which remain after silk reeling. Tasar pupae are rich in high-quality protein, essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. They can be utilized as ingredients in poultry, livestock, and aquaculture feed. Recognizing their nutritional potential, CSB-Central Tasar Research and Training Institute (CSB-CTRTI), in collaboration with ICAR - Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), has developed a nutritionally enriched fish feed using underutilized silkworm pupae, creating an innovative link between the sericulture and fisheries sectors. Silk proteins, namely sericin and fibroin, represent another high-value resource. Sericin, which is removed during the degumming process, possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, moisturizing, and biocompatible properties. It has potential applications in cosmetics, skincare products, wound dressings, and pharmaceutical formulations. Fibroin, the structural protein of silk, has attracted considerable attention in biomedical research due to its excellent mechanical strength, biodegradability, and compatibility with living tissues. It is being explored for tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, wound healing materials, and advanced biomaterials. CSB-CTRTI has developed technologies for the recovery and purification of sericin from cocoon cooking and degumming wastewater, transforming an environmental waste stream into a commercially valuable product. Another emerging opportunity is the cultivation of the medicinal fungus Cordyceps militaris on tasar silkworm pupae. Cordyceps is known for producing bioactive compounds such as cordycepin, polysaccharides, and adenosine, which have attracted interest for their potential health-promoting properties. Standardized cultivation protocols developed by CSB-CTRTI have demonstrated the feasibility of converting tasar pupae into a high-value medicinal product, opening new income-generating opportunities for rural communities. The host plants of tasar silkworms, including Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Asan (Terminalia tomentosa), and Sal (Shorea robusta), also contribute valuable byproducts. Their bark, seeds, leaves, gums, and resins possess medicinal, nutritional, and industrial applications. Furthermore, larval litter, uneaten leaves, and field residues generated during rearing can be utilized for composting, vermicomposting, biochar production, and biomass fuel generation, contributing to sustainable agriculture and waste management. The effective utilization of tasar byproducts offers multiple benefits, including increased income for tribal farmers, reduced environmental pollution, improved resource efficiency, and the development of new bio-based industries. By adopting value-addition technologies and promoting entrepreneurship, tasar sericulture can evolve from a fibre-centric industry into a diversified bioresource-based sector. The future of tasar lies not only in the silk it produces but also in the wealth of valuable byproducts that can be harnessed for sustainable rural development and economic growth. Source: Jena K, Pandey JP, Singh J, Chowdary NB (Eds.). Silk Beyond Fabric: Exploring the Diversity of Tasar Byproducts. CSB-Central Tasar Research and Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, Ranchi; 2025.