Farmers are inclined towards large-scale farming to cut down the cost, while increasing the productivity in the sericulture sector. According to a report by scientists in the Central Sericulture Research and Training Institute (CSRTI) and National Silkworm Seed Organisation, improved technologies and machineries have increased crop stability, while reducing labour requirement and enhanced the scope for large scale farming. Today, more than 550 large-scale farms are operating in the Indian sericulture sector and there is vast scope to increase this number in the country, particularly in southern states. According to a study comparing large-scale farming (more than 5 acre) with small scale holdings, cocoon production on one acre in Karnataka with an investment of Rs 65,655 has fetched a net profit of Rs 40,830 per year at a marketing expenditure of Rs 3,129. But in small-scale farming, cocoon production on one acre consumed an investment of Rs 72, 677 to fetch a net profit of Rs 41,741. Interest on working capital stood at Rs 854 in large-scale farming, compared to Rs 1,002 in small-scale holdings. Though large-scale sericultural farming is economically viable, a few constraints might thwart the popularisation of the concept, the report said. The industry should ensure the availability of seed for cocoon production.