Poonch, Dec 30: The two-week educational tour of students from the Department of Sericulture, Poonch Campus, University of Jammu, concluded Monday.
The tour provided the students with invaluable exposure to advanced sericulture practices and technologies through visits to prestigious institutions in South India, including the CSTRI and SBRL, CSB Bangalore, CSGRC Hosur, in Tamil Nadu, CSRTI Mysore, SSPC Mysore and Egg Preservation Centre Mysore, Extension Centers, Silk Factories and State Department’s of Sericulture.
The students engaged with leading experts in CSRTI Mysore, SSPC Mysore and Egg Preservation Center Mysore during their visit. Dr. M. Mvthiakattm, Scientist-D, Sericulture Extension Section, who shared her insights into innovative sericulture extension practices aimed at empowering farmers. Dr. Joycy Ravi D, Scientist-C (Agriculture Specialist), provided a comprehensive overview of agricultural practices that enhance mulberry yield and sustainability.
M. N. Nagashree, STA, Training Division, explained the methodologies involved in commercial chawki rearing to optimize silkworm productivity. Dr. Meghaladevi, Scientist-B, Pest Management Lab, presented effective pest control strategies critical for maintaining healthy mulberry plantations. Dr. Madhusudan, Scientist-D, Molecular Biology Bioinformatics, highlighted groundbreaking research in molecular biology for disease resistance in silkworms’.
Vajramna B, Scientist-B, Mulberry Pathology, educated students on the latest advancements in combating mulberry diseases. Dr. Sobhana V, Scientist-C, Soil Science and Chemistry, demonstrated the role of soil management in enhancing mulberry plantation health. Dr. Mallikarjuna G, Scientist-C, Silkworm Pathology, shared strategies to diagnose and mitigate silkworm diseases. Dr. K.M. Ponnuvel, Scientist-D, provided a comprehensive overview of seed production processes and techniques. B. Lalitha, Senior Technical Assistant, detailed the operational aspects of the seed productions and managements. Dr. Chandrashekharaiah, Scientist-D, elaborated on the standards for preservation temperatures, incubation and related processes.
Earlier, at the Central Silk Technological Research Institute (CSTRI), Bengaluru and SeriBiotech Research Laboratory (SBRL), Bengaluru the students interacted with reputed scientists and technical experts like Dr. Nivedita S. Scientist-D, Mr. Sanket Kuge, Babu, Mr. Sumit Kumar and Dr. Brojeswari Das. At the Central Sericultural Germplasm Resources Centre (CSGRC), Hosur, Tamil Nadu, the students met Dr. V. Nishitha Naik, Director, CSGRC, Dr. Raju Mondal, Scientist-B and Smt. G. Punithavathy, Scientist-D, Dr. G. Subrahmanyam, Scientist-D and Dr. Pawan Shukla, Scientist-D and Harshita, Senior Research Fellow. Prof. Rakesh Vaid, Director of Poonch Campus, congratulated the students for their successful participation in the educational tour and extended heartfelt gratitude to all the host institutions for sharing their valuable knowledge. He emphasized that such initiatives play a crucial role in enhancing students’ learning experiences and broadening their horizons in the field of sericulture. Dr. Rubia Bukhari, Incharge Department of Sericulture, Poonch Campus, who accompanied the students, expressed her gratitude to the host institutions and scientists for their valuable contributions. She remarked, “This tour was an exceptional opportunity for our students to witness cutting-edge research and practices in sericulture. The knowledge gained will significantly enhance their academic and professional journeys. We the Faculty members and students are also thankful to the Prof Rakesh Vaid Director Poonch Campus for providing us the opportunity,” She added.
