India has only 20 per cent of chawki rearing, says Ishita Roy

Central Silk Board Member Secretary Ishita Roy said that Chinese success in sericulture can be attributed to their complete adoption of chawki rearing. China has 100 per cent Chawki rearing, whereas India has only 20 per cent. If we make it 100 per cent, we will certainly beat the challenge of Chinese dominance.

She was speaking after the inauguration of workshop on 'Role of Chawki Rearing Centres (CRCs) in Bivoltine Silk Production' held at Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, Mysore on Friday.

Stating many of the officials are not making field visit, she asked field functionaries and the concerned officials to make frequent visits to the CRCs and guide them providing solution for the field problems.

“Apart from focusing on production of bivoltine, we need to focus on Cross Breeds as well. It is a must to have prolific and robust breeds of silkworms and quality mulberry leaf to achieve the success. As well, we need to achieve the target of producing 5000 MT of bivoltine silk,” she added, stressing on the need to adopt factors like proper mounting, hygiene, etc.

Stating all the facilities have been provided to the Cluster Development Facilitators (CDFs) for Cluster Promotion Programme, she said the facilitators need to be much more active in achieving the target and making the government programmes reach the people.

Stating CRCs are the Pillars of the Sericulture Industry and plays key role in achieving the goals, she said Rs 6 lakhs (XII Plan) has been allotted as assistance for the establishment of new CRC in the sharing pattern of 35:35:30 among the CSB: Department of Sericulture: Beneficiaries.

Tamil Nadu stand first

Speaking on the occasion, Rajan, Representative of Director of Sericulture, Tamil Nadu said that Tamil Nadu is number one in bivoltine silk production in India for the last three consecutive years and CRCs are functioning wonderfully in TN.

Lakshmipathi Reddy, Deputy Director of Sericulture, Ramanagara said that Ramanagar is the only district topping in bivoltine silk production in State, because of the adoption of chawki rearing concept.

Chawki rearing conditions are important:

CSRTI Director Dr BB Bindroo said that Scientific method of young age rearing is an important component in the new technology of silkworm rearing, advocated by Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, Mysore during 1970s itself. He further opined that feasibility of supplying chawki worms in third moult may be thought of.

Bangalore National Silkworm Seed Organisation Director Dr BS Angadi stressed on distributing certified chawki worms. CRC owners from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, scientists from CSR&TI, Mysore, DOS officials, CDFs and field functionaries participated in the workshop.

--------------