Gilan Province in northern Iran produces almost half of the country’s raw cocoon thanks to its climate, which is conducive to mulberry tree plantation.
Last year, the province produced over 430 tonnes of raw silk cocoons.
Other provinces in which sericulture is practiced include Mazandaran and Golestan (in northern Iran), Khorasan Razavi, North and South Khorasan (all in eastern Iran), East Azarbaijan (in the northwest) and Isfahan (in central Iran).
The country is the world’s eighth biggest country in silk farming after China, India, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Brazil, Vietnam and North Korea.
The industry generates numerous direct and indirect jobs, especially for the rural population.
Silk and its byproducts such as silkworm powder are used as raw material in pharmaceutical, cosmetics and toiletry industries.
The following photos retrieved from IRIB News Agency show people of Gilan Province active in the sericulture industry:
