Dignitaries with participants of comprehensive technology demonstration prog on scientific ericulture at New Terogyungu on August 12.
Kohima, August 14 (MExN): A Comprehensive Technology Demonstration Programme on Scientific Ericulture was conducted on August 12 at New Terogyungu in Tseminyu District.
It was conducted under MRMA 2.0-National Technology Transfer Campaign, with the participation of about 80 stakeholders and Eri farmers representing four neighbouring villages, namely Henbenji, Terogyungu, New Terogyungu and Giju.
Dr. Kaiho Kaisa, Scientist-B, CSB-CMERTI, Jorhat, and Vilhousienuo Khro, District Sericulture Officer, Tseminyu has conducted the programme.
The participants were sensitized to the available CSB technologies for Eri culture, covering both pre-cocoon and post-cocoon technologies. The major technologies covered included the C2 improved Eri silkworm breed, Eri chawki rearing technology, platform rearing, loose egg production, various disinfection technologies, and improved host-plant varieties for Eri silkworm.
As part of the hands-on technology demonstration, practical demonstrations were conducted on black boxing for achieving more uniform hatching, addressing a common concern raised by the farmers.
Demonstrations on appropriate disinfection practices were also conducted in response to disease-related concerns reported by the participants.
The farmers were encouraged to adopt a more diversified and sustainable approach to Eri culture, rather than limiting rearing primarily to pupae production and consumption.
Emphasis was given to retaining a portion of the crop for seed multiplication and maintaining their own seed stock, thereby enabling continuity of rearing across generations.
To support technology adoption, the CSB-CMERTI leaflets on “Eri Silkworm Samia ricini Preservation Technology” and “From Cocoon to Yarn - Eri Silk Post-Cocoon Guide” were distributed among the participants.
The C2-improved Eri silkworm breed was also distributed to selected Eri farmers, who were encouraged to multiply and maintain the seed stock as a sustainable self-reliance strategy.
Improved Kesseru saplings were also distributed to selected leading farmers to strengthen the Eri host-plant base.
The participants were further encouraged to explore post-cocoon activities, including value addition and silk processing, as additional income avenues beyond cocoon and pupae production and sale
The farmers were also introduced to Muga and Oak Tasar culture as potential new ventures, considering the availability of their primary host plants in the locality. The scope for diversification into these silkworm cultures was discussed as an additional livelihood opportunity.
The programme provided practical exposure to multiple CSB technologies, addressed field-level concerns raised by farmers, and promoted diversification, seed self-reliance, host-plant development and post-cocoon value addition as avenues for strengthening and sustaining Eri-based livelihoods in Tseminyu District.
