Madhya Pradesh Sericulture Commissioner inspects Silk Mega Cluster in Karnataka’s Maddur taluk

Madhya Pradesh Commissioner of Sericulture Mohit Bundas, along with Santosh P., scientist from the Central Silk Board, Bengaluru, inspected the commercial silkworm rearing houses and mulberry plantations developed under the Silk Mega Cluster initiative at Hosakere in Maddur taluk on Tuesday.

They appreciated the efforts of farmers Puttalingaiah H.K. and Harish, who have been efficiently managing the rearing houses and mulberry plantations in the village.

Shivakumar, scientist and Head of the Maddur sub-unit of the Central Sericultural Research and Extension Centre, explained the cluster’s expansion programmes in detail.

Farmers sought information on newly developed bivoltine hybrids, double hybrids, crossbreeds, and mulberry varieties. In response to them, Mr. Shivakumar said that the Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute (CSRTI), Mysuru, has developed new bivoltine hybrids — TT21×TT56, BFC1×BFC10, and G11×G19; a new crossbreed Kaveri Gold (MV1×S8); a new mulberry variety AGB-8; and a product named ‘Mr. Pro’ to control root rot diseases in mulberry. He also explained their advantages to the farmers and visiting dignitaries.

Sundar Raj, Deputy Director of Sericulture, urged farmers to utilise the benefits available under the Centrally-sponsored Silk Samagra-2 scheme supported by the State government.

Suresh H.C., Assistant Director of Sericulture, Maddur, said that Maddur taluk’s environment is highly conducive for mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing.

Sericulture Extension Officer Prashanth Kumar and other officials were present.