Five-Day CBT Programme on Muga Sericulture Concludes at P3 Unit, Kowabil in Kokrajhar
By Kishore Sarkar
KOKRAKHAR Jan 25: A five-day Capacity Building Training (CBT) programme on Muga sericulture was successfully organised by the Central Silk Board under the Muga Eri Silkworm Seed Organisation (MESSO), P3 Unit, Kowabil in Kokrajhar.
The programme was organised with the guidance and support of Dr. Maheshwari M., Director, MESSO, and Guwahati. The initiative was conducted in line with the vision of P. Swakumari (IFS), Member Secretary, Central Silk Board, aimed at strengthening Muga sericulture in Assam through capacity building, scientific interventions and empowerment of grass-root level seed rearers.
The programme was inaugurated by Anjan Chakaryarty, Director, Directorate of Sericulture, Adabari, BTC, Assam, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Dr. Suraksha Chanotra, Scientist-B and Officer-in-Charge, P3 Unit, Kowabil served as the Convener of the programme.
A total of 20 adopted Muga seed rearers from different parts of the BTC area participated in the five-day training. The farmers were imparted both theoretical and intensive hands-on practical knowledge through classroom interactions and field-based exercises.
The training covered key aspects of Muga culture including silkworm rearing, brushing and handling of mature worms, transfer of worms, pre- and post-disinfection of rearing fields, selection of suitable host plants for successive instars, disease and pest management practices, host plant maintenance and grainage practices. Resource persons were conducted expert lectures and practical demonstrations during the programme.
To further strengthen the technical understanding of the participants, a trilingual technical booklet titled Pest Management in Muga Sericulture was released and distributed among the trainees.
A valedictory session was also held with certificate distribution among the participants in the presence of Smt. Tunu Brahma, Extension Officer, Directorate of Sericulture, Adabri and Smt. Sandhaya Rani, Sericulture Demonstrator.
The dignitaries appreciated the enthusiastic participation of the farmers and emphasized the importance of adopting scientific and standardized practices in Muga sericulture.
The training programme is expected to play a vital role in improving the technical efficiency of Muga seed rearers in the BTC area, resulting in enhanced seed quality, increased cocoon productivity and reduced crop losses due to pests and diseases.