On the Wings of Fancy-From Hobby to Enterprise: A Case for Butterfly Farming

Abstract

Purpose: There has been tremendous work done on innovative technologies that have focused on reduction of carbon footprint and rejuvenating the environment. This is an exploratory study on butterfly farming which is being taken up by a number of South East Asian countries. They are supplying to the Western nations a natural alternative to wasteful festive expenditure that is expended on various important person and public occasions. What is most interesting is that butterfly farming is proving to be a lucrative livelihood and yet does not endanger the environment or the ecosystem in any way. The setting up of butterfly farms would also enhance the depleted urban environment of the developed world. Some of these initiatives have also been taken up in Indian states and cities. However, there continues to exist a large gap in the many aspects of initiating such a venture. In fact most of the farmers of Punjab are almost totally unaware of the significance of this venture‟s potential and viability.

Approach: An exploratory investigative approach has been utilized. The idea is to look at the various ways in which the butterfly farming or raising of butterfly farms at various places can help the environment as also farmers that are slowly and gradually turning towards this new and innovative farming technique.

Findings: As this is a new field of activity most of the population is not aware of butterfly farming. As India is an agriculture intensive country there is vast scope for making this a viable enterpreneurable concern for the country in general and Punjab in particular.

Value: This is a high value study as it can open up vistas of sustainable microenterprises to benefit the rural farmers and even women of Punjab who can make this a kitchen or household based microenterprise.