Mapping of Suitable Areas for Mulberry Plantation Using GIS in Manipur

Identification of potential areas for mulberry plantation was carried out in Manipur (one of the north eastern states of India) using geographic information system (GIS) tools and remote sensing. Mulberry plantation is in the field of sericulture and for the rural farming families, sericulture gives employment throughout the year as well. Natural Silkworm food plants (castor and mulberry) are perennial crops that protect the soil from erosion, so it is also an eco-friendly activity. The agro-climatic conditions in the state are suitable to cultivate all four types of silk—mulberry, Muga, Tasar oak, and Eri. Based on parameters like cultivable land, physiography, soil characteristic suitability, and climate conditions, the site suitability for mulberry cultivation was identified through overlay analysis in a GIS environment with multi-criteria analysis. For the quantitative analysis, the RUSLE method is also used to observe soil erosion. It has been found that 19,958.87km² (90.68%) are suitable for mulberry plantation in Manipur, out of which 8458.78km² (38.42%) were highly suitable, 6816.07km² (30.97%) were moderately suitable, and 4684.02km² (21.28%) were marginally suitable. However, 1622.79 km² (7.37%) were found to be unsuitable for mulberry cultivation. Therefore, the whole of Manipur's fertile land is highly suitable for mulberry plantation and cultivation.