A group of 30 enthusiastic trainees, hailing from countries including Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, the Philippines, Tanzania, Thailand, and Uganda, recently embarked on a fascinating journey into the heart of Karnataka’s silk industry. They visited the verdant fields of expert silk farmers in the Maddur and Malavalli taluks of Mandya district, where they received invaluable hands-on training in the intricate processes of mulberry cultivation and commercial silkworm rearing.
Shivakumar, a distinguished scientist from the sub-unit of the Central Silk Board – Research Extension Centre in Maddur, extended a warm welcome to the international visitors. These trainees are currently undergoing a specialized program at the Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute (CSRTI) in Mysuru, under the prestigious Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) initiative, focusing on sericulture and the broader silk industry.
Dr. Shivakumar personally guided the group on their educational tour through the Maddur Mega Cluster, offering detailed explanations of the various extension activities spearheaded by the Maddur Research Extension Centre.
During their visit, the foreign trainees gained first-hand insights into a wide array of activities, including advanced commercial silkworm rearing techniques, sustainable mulberry cultivation practices, and innovative organic and integrated farming systems. They were particularly impressed by the meticulous management of silkworm rearing houses and expansive mulberry gardens maintained by the dedicated farmers of Maddur and Malavalli, commending their tireless efforts.
Dr. Shivakumar highlighted CSRTI Mysuru’s six-decade legacy of pioneering research, extension services, and comprehensive training, establishing it as a leading global authority in tropical sericulture. He emphasized the institute’s pivotal role in bolstering India’s own silk industry, while also generously extending its technical expertise and support to numerous developing nations worldwide.
He further elaborated that CSRTI Mysuru serves as a vital training hub, empowering countries in the nascent stages of sericulture development. Over the years, the institute has been instrumental in developing and disseminating cutting-edge technologies that have profoundly benefited sericulture farmers, both domestically and internationally.
The intensive practical training covered a multitude of essential aspects, including effective mulberry cultivation methods, best practices for silkworm rearing, the advantages of integrated farming systems, innovative ways to utilize rearing house and garden waste, principles of organic farming, and environmentally friendly, chemical-free pest management strategies. The trainees learned that many integrated farmers successfully combine sericulture as their primary agricultural pursuit with various allied practices to generate additional income.
Prominent sericulture farmers, including Puttalingaiah, Anish Hosakere, Shivarame Gowda, Sharath, Nanjunda, Shivakumar, Naganna, and Prakash, were actively involved in hosting the trainees and sharing their expertise during the visit.