As part of the ongoing “Mera Resham Mera Abhimaan” (MRMA) campaign initiated by the Central Silk Board (CSB), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, a Training Programme on Host Plant and Disease Management was successfully organized at Bhoirymbong, Ri-Bhoi district. The programme was jointly conducted by the CSB, Muga Eri Silkworm Seed Organization (MESSO), P-3 Unit, Nongpoh, in collaboration with the District Sericulture Office, Ri-Bhoi, and witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 123 sericulture farmers from the region.
The programme was chaired by Smt. R.B. Lyngwa, District Sericulture Officer, Ri-Bhoi, who lauded the collaborative efforts of the Central Silk Board and the State Sericulture Department in bringing capacity-building initiatives to the grassroots. She highlighted the immense potential of Ri-Bhoi district in sustainable sericulture development and encouraged farmers to adopt modern practices in silkworm rearing and host plant management to enhance productivity and income.
The technical sessions were led by Shri Abhishek Singh, Scientist-C, CSB-MESSO, Nongpoh, who emphasized the adoption of scientific techniques in Eri silkworm rearing to improve yield and profitability. He urged farmers to increase their DFLs rearing capacity and undertake more rearings in a year, thereby transforming sericulture from a traditional activity into a viable and rewarding livelihood. Supporting the sessions, Mr. L. Rympei, Sericulture Inspector, District Sericulture Office, Ri-Bhoi, elaborated on improved rearing methods and stressed the socio-economic benefits of sericulture.
The programme also included an interactive session, where farmers raised practical concerns regarding pest control, disease prevention, and host plant care. Experts provided clear solutions and assured continued technical support. Furthermore, Shri T. S. Rympai, Shri Pynlang Rymbai, and Smt. Watklet Nongrum, Sericulture Demonstrators, addressed the gathering and motivated farmers to take full advantage of training, demonstrations, and field visits under the MRMA campaign. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri P. Rymbai, who appreciated the cooperation of all stakeholders and acknowledged the farmers’ active participation.
This initiative not only enhanced the technical skills and confidence of Eri farmers but also strengthened the spirit of unity within the rural sericulture community. The strong turnout is a testament to the dedication of farmers in Ri-Bhoi to embrace modern technologies. The Central Silk Board’s targeted interventions under the MRMA campaign are expected to significantly boost raw silk production in Meghalaya and set a model for sericulture development across the country.
