Recent advancements and best practices across the entire sericulture value chain were showcased at the Reshme Krishi Mela exhibition organised by the Central Silk Board (CSB)-Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute (CSRTI) in Mysuru on Tuesday.Hundreds of farmers from different parts of the State, including North Karnataka, participated in the programme organised in coordination with the Department of Sericulture, Government of Karnataka, at Anugraha Convention Hall on H.D. Kote Road in the city.The exhibition, inaugurated by Girisha P.S., director (Finance), Central Silk Board, Bengaluru, focussed on integrated nutrient management for maintaining healthy soil, demonstrations on mulberry and silkworm pest management, disease prevention and disinfection technologies.“Improved mulberry varieties, including the new variety under release AGB–8, and advanced silkworm hybrids such as the temperature-tolerant bivoltine hybrid TT21 × TT56 and the crossbred hybrid Cauvery Gold (MV1 × S8) attracted wide attention from farmers and stakeholders,” said CSRTI, in a statement.Private entrepreneurs exhibited innovative bio-inputs, disinfectants, pest control tools and value-added byproducts. The Silk Mark Organisation of India (SMOI) conducted awareness campaigns to promote quality assurance and enhance consumer confidence in silk products.The newly launched product Vermihume, an eco-friendly organic stimulant, received significant interest from farmers for its role in improving soil fertility, mulberry yield, and leaf quality, the statement added.During her address at the inaugural programme, CSRTI director P. Deepa highlighted the latest advancements in seri-technologies, such as new mulberry varieties and silkworm hybrids. She requested farmers to make use of these innovations by referring to the technology bulletin and pamphlets, as well as the newly launched YouTube channel from the institute.Meanwhile, Mr Girisha P.S. emphasised the need to adopt updated technologies to reduce drudgery and cost in sericulture. He noted that rising global demand for silk and reduced tariffs on Indian silk products are likely to boost the sector and contribute to increased cocoon prices.He also mentioned that the National Fibre Mission is being formulated, with discussions under way to enhance subsidies for implements and rearing houses.Director of CFTRI, Mysuru, Giridhar Parvatha, highlighted a collaborative project between CSB-CSRTI, Mysuru, CSIR-CFTRI and ICAR-Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, to utilise spent silkworm pupae, which is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids for poultry feed and human snacks. In near future 4–5 value-added products will be released soon through CSRTI Mysuru.Additional Director, Department of Sericulture, Y T Thimmaiah, who was also present on the occasion, thanked the CSB for its support in the establishment of a new Research Extension Centre at Haveri to promote sericulture in North Karnataka.Meanwhile, a total of 15 ‘best performing’ sericulture farmers were felicitated with the Reshme Krishi Mela in recognition of their outstanding achievements. Entrepreneurs who exhibited their products were also honoured for their contributions to the sector.On the occasion, Keshavamurthy from All India Radio was felicitated for the Reshme Isiri radio series, which was conducted for one year. Member of CSB Nanjundaswamy B.S., officials from the Department of Sericulture and scientists from CSRTI and others were also present on the occasion.Published - March 03, 2026 07:34 pm IST