Resham Kisan Divas celebrated at Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute in Mysuru

Central Silk Board (CSB)–Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute (CSRTI) in Mysuru celebrated Resham Kisan Divas on December 23 by felicitating progressive sericulture farmers from different parts of the State and appealing to farmers to adopt new technologies to make India the world’s largest producer of raw silk.

Prathibha H.R., joint director of the Sericulture Department, Mysuru, who inaugurated the programme, stressed the need for bivoltine silkworm rearing, wider mulberry spacing for improved weed management and mechanisation, and effective utilisation of subsidies to enhance cocoon quality and productivity, said a press statement here.

Dayananda, in-charge director of CSRTI, highlighted the importance of properly designing a silkworm rearing house, ensuring adequate ventilation, and adopting climate-resilient silkworm hybrids such as TT21xTT56 and MV1XS8 to meet international silk quality standards. Presently, India occupies the second position after China in raw silk production in the world.

CSB member B.S. Nanjundaswamy said the board was involved in continuous research and development efforts towards the welfare of farmers. He, however, underscored the need to address occupational health hazards in sericulture practices.

Technical sessions during the event featured expert presentations by CSB-CSRTI scientists on the improved mulberry variety AGB-8, integrated pest and nutrient management, judicious use of pesticides, organic fertilisers, drip fertigation, and disease management.

Farmers and scientists discussed issues such as whitefly infestation, root rot, powdery mildew, nano-fertilisers, mulberry spacing, cocoon prices, and adaptability of newly released varieties.

Meanwhile, the deputy director of the Sericulture Deparment, Mysuru, informed participants about the free distribution of inputs and newly developed disease management technologies by the department.

The programme also included an exhibition of recent sericulture technologies, the screening of a technology film, exposure visits to laboratories and experimental fields, and the distribution of technical handbills.

Progressive farmers feted

Six progressive sericulture farmers from different parts of south Karnataka were conferred certificates of appreciation for their adoption of bivoltine sericulture technologies, best management practices, and production of high quality cocoons.

The awardees are K. Madayya, Mysuru, Krishne Gowda, Mysuru, L. Paramasivamurthy, Mysuru, Nagesh, Mandya, Basavarajappa, Chikkamagaluru, and Sharath Kumar, Mandya.

The event, attended by more than 70 farmers, officials from the Sericulture Department, and CSRTI staff, was coordinated by scientists Joycy Rani and Manjappa, besides senior technical assistant Justin Kumar.