Visakhapatnam: India is the second-largest producer of silk in the world with an annual production of 35,469 metric tonnes. “We are focusing more on application-oriented research to transform sericulture and attain excellence," said Central Sericulture Research and Training Institute (CSRTI) director Dr. Babulal here on Thursday.
He was addressing an international e-conference on “sericulture molecules to materials” organised by GITAM Deemed University’s seri-biotechnology lab. Babulal said India is the only country producing five kinds of silk namely Mulberry, Eri, Muga, Tropical Tasar, and Temperate Tasar.
Mulberry contributes three-fourths of the total silk production. CSRTI has developed technologies suitable for mulberry farmers in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, he said.
Organising secretary M. Anitha said GITAM seribiotechnology lab is involved in research activities to enhance silk production.
HB Manjunatha from University of Mysore, Karnataka, gave a talk on identification and characterization of heat shock proteins of mulberry silk worm.
Central Tasar Research and Training Institute (Jharkhand) scientist Dr. JP Pandey said around 3.50 lakh families are associated with the tasar silk industry.
Conference convener Dr. Kiranmayi said the conference aimed at disseminating knowledge to farmers by holding a workshop in association with AP state sericulture research and development institute (APSSRDI), Hindupur, with special reference to the prospects of sericulture in Andhra Pradesh.
