Central Silk Board conducts three day refresher training in Meghalaya to strengthen Muga and Eri sericulture

A major capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening India’s indigenous silk sector was organised in Mendipathar in North Garo Hills, Meghalaya, where a three-day refresher training programme on the provisions of the Central Silk Board Seed Act, 2022 concluded on March 14.

The training, conducted from March 12 to 14 at the P-4 Unit in Mendipathar, was organised under the guidance of the Central Silk Board and under the technical supervision of the Muga Eri Silkworm Seed Organisation (MESSO). The programme aimed to enhance awareness among farmers and stakeholders regarding scientific silkworm seed production and the regulatory framework governing the sector.

Around 75 participants attended the programme, including Muga and Eri silkworm farmers, officials from the Directorate of Sericulture, Government of Meghalaya, field functionaries, Registered Seed Producers (RSPs), Adopted Seed Rearers (ASRs), and representatives from the Resubelpara block. The initiative served as an important platform to strengthen coordination between farmers, scientists, and institutional stakeholders involved in the sericulture value chain.

The inaugural session was attended by Dr. M. Chutia, Scientist-D at CSB MESSO P-4 Tura and Nodal Seed Act Officer for Assam, who graced the programme as the Chief Guest. Addressing participants, he emphasised the significance of the Seed Act in regulating silkworm seed production and ensuring that farmers receive quality, disease-free seed material.

He noted that effective implementation of the legislation would help maintain scientific standards in seed production, improve productivity, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the sericulture sector.

During the technical sessions, Mahasankar Majumdar, Scientist-C and in-charge of the P-4 Unit in Mendipathar, delivered a detailed lecture on scientific Muga grainage practices. He highlighted the need for careful seed cocoon selection, hygienic grainage operations, and strict maintenance of genetic purity to ensure the production of high-quality Muga silkworm seed.

Another session was conducted by Dr. Mahantesh, Scientist-B from the P-3 Unit at Rompara, who elaborated on agronomical practices for Muga host plants. His session focused on plantation management, pruning techniques, soil fertility maintenance, and sustainable cultivation methods necessary for healthy silkworm rearing.

Officials also underlined the vital role played by the Central Silk Board in promoting the Muga and Eri sericulture sector through policy support, research initiatives, seed regulation, and farmer training programmes across the country.

Special emphasis was placed on the work of MESSO in maintaining basic seed stock at its P-3 and P-4 units, conserving valuable genetic resources of Muga and Eri silkworms, and ensuring the supply of quality seed material to grainages and state departments for multiplication and distribution.

As part of a special initiative to motivate farmers and promote livelihood opportunities through sericulture, rearing trays were distributed during the programme. A total of 25 new beneficiaries—primarily tribal women—received rearing trays, in addition to 20 existing beneficiaries already engaged in silk farming activities.

The training also provided an interactive platform for farmers and technical experts to discuss field-level challenges in seed production and host plant management. Participants actively shared their experiences and sought guidance from scientists and officials on improving productivity and sustainability.

Participants expressed positive feedback at the conclusion of the programme, stating that the training significantly improved their understanding of the Seed Act and enhanced their technical knowledge of scientific seed production practices.

Officials believe the initiative will play a crucial role in strengthening the Muga and Eri sericulture sector in the Garo Hills region while supporting sustainable livelihood generation for rural communities in Meghalaya.