08-07-2025
Sericulture scientists told to draw roadmap to produce 54,000 tonnes of raw silk per year by 2030
Central Silk Board (CSB) Member Secretary P. Sivakumar on Tuesday urged sericulture scientists in the country to formulate a clear roadmap to meet the ambitious target of producing 54,000 metric tonnes of raw silk by 2030, and position India as a global leader in silk production.
Speaking after inaugurating the two-day Host Plant Breeders Meet 2025 organised by CSB at the Central Sericulture Research and Training Institute (CSRTI) in Mysuru on Tuesday, Mr. Sivakumar called upon the researchers to develop innovative plant hybrids to meet the production goals.
Raw silk production in India, which is second only to China, had increased steadily from 31,906 metric tonnes in 2017-18 to 38,913 metric tonnes in 2023-24.
The Host Plant Breeders Meet 2025, focused on the theme 'Innovative Host Plant Breeding Strategies: A Step Towards Doubling Silk Production', is aimed at bringing together leading breeders and scientists engaged in mulberry and vanya host plant improvement programmes from across India. Vanya silk comprises non-mulberry varieties, viz. Tassar, Muga and Eri.
In his address, Mr. Sivakumar also noted the growing application of mulberry and vanya plants in diverse sectors such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and seri tourism.
Emphasising the strategic importance of research in host plant breeding, particularly in line with India's vision for achieving self-reliance in quality silk production, Mr. Sivakumar highlighted the critical need for developing climate-resilient and high-yielding mulberry and vanya plant varieties to ensure sustainable growth in sericulture and to double the country's silk production.
He also spoke about a proposal to establish a National Sericulture Museum in Mysuru in the near future.
Former Director of CSRTI, Mysuru, S.B. Dandin, who delivered the key note address at the event, reflected on the significant progress achieved in host plant breeding over the years, and urged the scientific community to proactively address emerging challenges such as pest resistance, drought tolerance, and the nutritional enhancement of host plants.
He emphasised the need to leverage advanced technologies, including biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and nanotechnology, to bridge the gap between laboratory research and field-level application, thereby enabling large-scale commercialisation and impact.
Director (Technical) of CSB, S. Manthira Moorthy, who delivered a special address at the meet, focused on the need to develop new host plant hybrids with superior leaf quality, and higher leaf yield.
He urged scientists to formulate a strategic roadmap for the next 5 to 10 years, focusing on innovation and sustainability. He also underlined the critical role of quality leaf in producing high-quality cocoons, and in enhancing the overall yield of raw silk.
The two-day meet, which began with a welcome address by CSRTI Director Gandhi Doss, is also attended by representatives from the Department of Sericulture of southern states, scientists, and experts in the field of plant breeding from mulberry and vanya sectors.
A staetment from CSRTI said the Host Plant (mulberry and vanya) Breeders' Meet 2025 will feature a series of technical sessions, discussions, and presentations over the two days, focussing on recent advancements, breeding strategies, varietal development, and the roadmap for future R&D interventions in the host plant sector for both mulberry and vanya silks.
