Foreign participants during their visit to Mulberry FIIELDS progressive farmers in Maddur. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Up to 30 trainees from countries such as Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Philippines, Tanzania, Thailand and Uganda, visited the field of progressive silk farmers in Maddura and Malavalli Taluks in the Mandya district.
Shivakumar, a scientist in the Central Silk Board-Research Extension Center, Maddur, welcomed foreign participants who attend the Central Serikulturial Research and Training (CSRTI), Mysur, as part of Indian technical and economic cooperation (ITEC) Sericulture and Silk.
He accompanied them on a study tour to Maddur Mega Cluster and explained extension activities performed in the Maddur research extension center.
Foreign participants observed various activities, including breeding commercial storms, mulberry cultivation, organic and integrated agricultural systems. They witnessed the administration of breeding houses and mulberries of progressive farmers Maddura and Malavalli and appreciated their efforts.
With six decades of devoted research, expansion and training, Csrti Mysur has shown as a leading center for tropical series, said Dr. Shivakumar.
He stressed that the institute not only supports the Indian silk industry, but also expands technical assistance to several developing countries.
He also noted that the CSRTi in Mysur serves as a training center supporting the country in the early stages of series development and has developed several technologies that have been very beneficial for farmers in India and abroad.
Trainees were practically trained in several aspects, including mulberry cultivation, breeding, integrated agricultural systems, use of house and garden breeding, organic farming and pest management without chemicals. They were informed that integrated farmers primarily cultivate series as their main crop, while through allied practices they earn further income.
The progressive farmers of sericultures such as Puttalingaiai, Anish Hosakere, Shivarame Gowd, Sharath, Nanjunda, Shivakumar, Naganna and Prakash were present on Octan.
Published – September 20, 2025 17:48
