From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, Aug 22: More than 140 Ri-Bhoi-based sericulture farmers on Friday conglomerated for an awareness programme on ‘Host Plant Cultivation and Management’, organised under the ongoing ‘Mera Resham Mera Abhimaan’ (MRMA) campaign at Nartap village, Umjarasi, Nongpoh.
According to a statement here, the programme, conducted by the Central Silk Board’s Muga Eri Silkworm Seed Organisation (MESSO), P-3 Unit, Nongpoh, in collaboration with the District Sericulture Office, Ri-Bhoi, sought to educate farmers on improved Muga and Eri host plant practices and their role in sustainable silkworm rearing.
During the programme, Scientist-C Abhishek Singh of CSB-MESSO, Nongpoh, underscored the importance of adopting scientific methods, including timely plantation, pruning and soil fertility management, as the basis for higher yields and profitability.
On the other hand, District Sericulture Officer RB Lyngwa highlighted the socio-economic benefits of sericulture, while Deputy Director of Sericulture, Meghalaya, SG Momin, lauded the joint efforts of CSB and the State Sericulture Department in empowering grassroots farmers.
Meanwhile, Scientist-D Dr. Lopamudra Guha of CSB-MESSO, Guwahati, noted Ri-Bhoi’s potential in sustainable sericulture and encouraged farmers to expand their rearing capacity for higher productivity.
Two pamphlets, viz. Package of Practices for Castor Cultivation for Eri Silkworm Rearing and a Khasi-language guide on Package of Practices for Muga Silkworm Rearing were released during the event to provide farmers with practical and field-level insights.
“The strong turnout of farmers, despite adverse weather conditions, reflects their determination to embrace modern technologies. With CSB’s focused interventions under the MRMA campaign, Ri-Bhoi district, is poised to become a model hub of sericulture development in Meghalaya, significantly contributing to the state’s raw silk production,” the statement said.
