CSRTI Director P. Deepa (left) and CFTRI Director Giridhar Parvatham (fourth from left) seen at the Reshme Krishi Mela in Mysuru on Tuesday. | Photo credit: MA Sriram
Recent advances and best practices across the sericulture value chain were showcased at the Reshme Krishi Mela organized by the Central Silk Board (CSB) – Central Sericulture Research and Training Institute (CSRTI) in Mysuru on Tuesday.
Hundreds of farmers from different parts of the state, including North Karnataka, participated in the program organized in coordination with the Department of Sericulture, Government of Karnataka, at Anugraha Convention Hall on HD Kote Road in the city.
Inaugurated by Girisha PS, Director (Finance), Central Silk Board, Bengaluru, the exhibition focused on integrated nutrient management to maintain healthy soil, demonstrations of mulberry and silkworm pest control, disease prevention and disinfection technology.
“Improved mulberry varieties, including a new variety under the AGB-8 release, and advanced silkworm hybrids such as the temperature resistant bivoltine hybrid TT21 × TT56 and the Cauvery Gold cross (MV1 × S8) have attracted widespread attention from farmers and stakeholders,” CSRTI said in a statement.
Private entrepreneurs exhibited innovative biological inputs, disinfectants, pest control tools and value-added by-products. Silk Mark of India (SMOI) has undertaken awareness campaigns to promote quality assurance and enhance consumer confidence in silk products.
The newly launched product Vermihume, an eco-friendly organic stimulant, has received considerable interest from farmers for its role in improving soil fertility, mulberry yield and leaf quality, the statement added.
CSRTI Director P. Deepa while addressing the inaugural program highlighted the latest advancements in seri-technologies like new mulberry varieties and silkworm hybrids. She asked farmers to take advantage of these innovations by referring to the technology bulletin and brochures as well as the institute’s newly launched YouTube channel.
Meanwhile, Mr. Girisha PS emphasized the need to adopt updated technologies to reduce drudgery and cost in sericulture. He noted that rising global demand for silk and reduced tariffs on Indian silk products are likely to boost the industry and help boost cocoon prices.
He also mentioned that a National Fiber Mission is being formulated and discussions are underway to increase subsidies for implements and nurseries.
Director, CFTRI, Mysuru, Giridhar Parvatha, highlighted a collaborative project between CSB-CSRTI, Mysuru, CSIR-CFTRI and ICAR-Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, to utilize spent silkworm cocoons, which are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, for poultry feed and human consumption. 4-5 value added products will be released soon through CSRTI Mysuru in near future.
Additional Director of Sericulture Department YT Thimmaiah, who was also present on the occasion, thanked CSB for its support in setting up a new research extension center at Haveri to promote sericulture in North Karnataka.
Meanwhile, a total of 15 ‘top’ sericulture growers were awarded the Reshme Krishi Mela in recognition of their outstanding achievements. Entrepreneurs who exhibited their products for their contribution to the industry were also awarded.
On the occasion, Keshavamurthy of All India Radio was felicitated for the radio serial Reshme Isiri which ran for one year. CSB member Nanjundaswamy BS, officials from sericulture department and scientists from CSRTI and others were also present on the occasion.
Published – March 3, 2026 7:34 PM IST
