Mulberry shoot harvester-cum-bundling machine demonstrated in Kolar district of Karnataka

A Mulberry Shoot Harvester-cum-Bundling device, which seeks to reduce drudgery and labour during mulberry cultivation, was demonstrated at a farmer’s field in Hosakote village in Bangarpet taluk of Kolar district in Karnataka on October 31

The device was developed jointly by Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute (CSRTI) in Mysuru and SRR Agro Industries, Sircilla, Telangana, under a collaborative research project aimed at promoting mechanization in sericulture.

According to CSRTI, the machine is being tested in Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute (AEC&RI), Kumalur, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), which is the authorised government agency. TNAU officials Kavipriya and Vijayakumar have been evaluating the devide over the past three days in Kolar region.

The field demonstration was held to create awareness among sericulture farmers and stakeholders.

Member Secretary and CEO of Central Silk Board (CSB) P. Sivakumar, Director of CSRTI, Mysuru, P. Deepa, scientists Nazeer Ahmed, R. Mahesh Paramesh, besides Praveen Kumar from SRR Agro Industries were present during the demostration.

CSRTI claims that farmers who witnessed the demonstration expressed satisfaction with the machine’s performance. They appreciated its efficiency in pruning and shoot harvesting, noting that it significantly reduces labour and drudgery, thereby enhancing productivity in mulberry cultivation.