International trainees pledge to strengthen silk industries after Mysuru course

Twenty-one participants from 10 countries have completed a four-week sericulture training programme at the Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute in Mysuru, India. The programme was organised under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation initiative of India’s Ministry of External Affairs. It combined lectures and practical sessions with visits to farmers’ fields, cocoon markets and silk product showrooms.

Participants came from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Cuba, Ghana, the Maldives, Mauritius, Nigeria, the Philippines, Thailand and Zambia. At the valedictory programme, they outlined the condition of sericulture in their countries and discussed challenges and opportunities for expanding the sector. The participants praised the training provided by the institute, the Central Silk Board and the International Sericultural Commission.

They requested continued technical support for activities before and after cocoon production, as well as assistance with marketing. They also pledged to use the knowledge and skills acquired in Mysuru to promote sericulture and strengthen silk industries in their respective countries. Central Silk Board member secretary P.

Sivakumar said the entire sericulture value chain needed to be strengthened, from soil and farming to silk products. He said this should be done while protecting the interests of farmers, reelers, weavers, artisans and marketing personnel. Sivakumar identified possible markets and opportunities in the participating countries.

He said sericin-based products had a market in Cuba, while Zambia had demand for silk carpets and interior products. He also pointed to opportunities in Thailand, the Philippines and Bangladesh. Certificates and mementos were presented to the participants.