From Our Correspondent
Nongpoh, Aug 20: As part of the ongoing “Mera Resham Mera Abhimaan” (MRMA) campaign initiated by the Central Silk Board (CSB), Ministry of Textiles, a training programme on Host Plant and Disease Management was successfully organized at Bhoirymbong, Ri-Bhoi district. The programme was jointly conducted by the CSB, Muga Eri Silkworm Seed Organization (MESSO), P-3 Unit, Nongpoh, in collaboration with the District Sericulture Office, Ri-Bhoi, and witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 123 sericulture farmers from the region.
The programme was chaired by District Sericulture Officer, Ri-Bhoi, RB Lyngwa, who lauded the collaborative efforts of the Central Silk Board and the State Sericulture department in bringing capacity-building initiatives to the grassroots. She highlighted the immense potential of Ri-Bhoi in sustainable sericulture development and encouraged farmers to adopt modern practices in silkworm rearing and host plant management to enhance productivity and income.
The technical sessions were led by Scientist-C, CSB-MESSO, Nongpoh, Abhishek Singh, who emphasised the adoption of scientific techniques in Eri silkworm rearing to improve yield and profitability. He urged farmers to increase their DFLs rearing capacity and undertake more rearings in a year, thereby transforming sericulture from a traditional activity into a viable and rewarding livelihood. Supporting the sessions, Sericulture Inspector, District Sericulture Office, Ri-Bhoi, L Rympei, elaborated on improved rearing methods and stressed the socio-economic benefits of sericulture.
The programme also included an interactive session, where farmers raised practical concerns regarding pest control, disease prevention, and host plant care.
Experts provided clear solutions and assured continued technical support.