Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 3 Sep: The inauguration of the “Model and Affordable Silkworm Rearing House” and an interactive technical session were organised at the Regional Sericultural Research Station (RSRS), Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute (CSRTI), Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, at Sahaspur today. The initiative aims to provide silkworm rearers with a scientific, affordable, and climate-conducive environment while developing technological solutions to make sericulture more profitable.
The Chief Guest, Prof Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, along with other dignitaries, inaugurated the event with the ceremonial lamp lighting and the national song, followed by the unveiling of the newly constructed model rearing house. Discussions centred on using scientific techniques in silkworm rearing, maintaining optimal ambient conditions, and boosting farmers’ productivity and income.
Addressing the gathering, Prof Kamal Kishore Pant highlighted the model’s potential for rural employment and farm income growth. He urged youth to explore opportunities in sericulture and adopt modern techniques. He noted that just as nutritious food is vital for human health, high-quality mulberry leaves are essential for healthy silkworms and superior cocoon yields. Emphasising internal climate and temperature control, he added that IIT Roorkee has planted nearly 100,000 mulberry saplings in Khunt village, Almora.
Pradeep Kumar, Director, Directorate of Sericulture, Uttarakhand, stressed making rearing affordable and eco-friendly. He noted that the model facilitates multi-crop silkworm rearing, directly increasing yield and annual income.
Dr N Sakthivel, Director, CSRTI, Central Silk Board, Pampore, highlighted nutritional and seasonal challenges, noting that the scientifically designed structure effectively regulates temperature and humidity fluctuations during summer.
A live technical demonstration was conducted for farmers and beneficiaries. Dr Irfan Illahi, Scientist-D, CSRTI Pampore, detailed the structural design and climate-control mechanisms, supported by Dr E Arsakumar, Scientist-B, and Dr Sakshi Vaishnav, Scientist-B.
Prof Akshay Dvivedi of IIT Roorkee and his technical team, along with officials from the Central Silk Board and the Directorate of Sericulture, were in attendance. Dr Pawan Saini, Scientist-D & Head, RSRS Sahaspur, noted that the concept was originally envisioned by Dr Sardar Singh, former Director, CSRTI Pampore.
The event concluded with dignitaries visiting the campus Seri-Museum and participating in a ceremonial tree plantation.
