Field Demonstration at Hathghada – Mera Resham Mera Abhimaan (MRMA)
Nidhi Sukhija¹, Shyam Kumar², Immanual Gilvax Prabhu¹, Deepika Umesh¹, Divya Rajawat¹, Vishal Mittal¹, N. B. Chowdhary¹
¹ Central Tasar Research and Training Institute (CSB-CTRTI), Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
² Assistant Director (Sericulture), Jashpur, Chhattisgarh, India
Date of Event: 24th August 2025
(Published later as part of compiled MRMA activities)
Location: Hathghada, Jashpur (Chhattisgarh)
As part of the National Campaign “Mera Resham Mera Abhimaan (MRMA)”, a Field Demonstration and Farmer Interaction Programme was conducted at Hathghada on 24th August 2025. The programme was led by Dr. Nidhi Sukhija (Scientist-B, CSB-CTRTI, Ranchi) and Shri Shyam Kumar (Assistant Director, Sericulture, Jashpur).
The main objective of the visit was to interact with tasar farmers, understand field-level challenges, and demonstrate innovative technologies to improve rearing efficiency, disease management, and host plant protection.
Technologies Demonstrated at Hathghada
During the demonstration, several innovations developed by CSB-CTRTI, Ranchi were showcased:
- Pebrine Visualization Solution (PVS):Rapid detection of Nosema mylittensis spores in mother moths for early diagnosis.
- Tasar Chawki Rearing under Nylon Net:Protection of early-stage larvae from pests, predators, and environmental stress, ensuring hygienic rearing.
- Jeevan Sudha:A formulation for virosis control in tasar silkworms, enhancing cocoon productivity.
- Leaf Surface Microbes (LSM):Biological approach for managing bacterial diseases in tasar silkworms.
- Depuratex:Economical solution for cleaning and sterilizing tasar silkworm eggs.
- Egg Washing cum Disinfection Machine:Labor-saving device for efficient egg surface sterilization.
- Lagerstroemia speciosa:Introduction of an alternative tasar host plant with high leaf yield and reduced gallfly incidence.
- Integrated Gallfly Management Package:Combination of pruning, neem cake application, and selective pesticide use to minimize gallfly attack.
- Neem-based Pesticide:Eco-friendly option for controlling bark eater infestation in host plants.
Farmer Interaction and Observations
The field programme enabled direct interaction between farmers and scientists, fostering trust and knowledge exchange. Key highlights included:
- Farmers observed live demonstrationsof each technology and discussed their practical utility.
- Enhanced awareness of hygienic rearing methods, pest management, and disease prevention
- Improved understanding of gallfly management and eco-friendly plant protection practices.
- Introduction to mechanization and cost-reducing innovations, especially the egg washing machine and nylon net rearing technique.
The event strengthened research-farmer linkages, accelerating the adoption of modern technologies in tasar sericulture.
Conclusion
The Hathghada field demonstration under MRMA represented a significant step towards integrating science-led solutions with traditional sericulture practices. By promoting innovative, eco-friendly, and cost-effective technologies, the programme fostered farmer confidence and commitment to scientific rearing approaches. Farmers expressed strong willingness to adopt these interventions to enhance cocoon yield, improve disease management, and ensure sustainable tasar culture.
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