Major Strengths

a)      Specialised scientific manpower:

The Institute has been framed  incorporating the concept of subject specialisations strengthened by adoption level research concepts. The Institute has a strong network of  15 specialised laboratories supported by over 70 scientists qualified in the identified areas of sericulture research.

b)      Collaborative  support:

The Institute has been actively interacting with the National and International Research Organisations through overseas programmes and collaborative/co-ordinated research works. The Institute is also involved with the Public and Private Sector Industrial Organisations of the State and Central Governmnet.

c)      Recognition as a Centre of Research:

The Institute has been recognized as a centre of  research by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR),  Government of India, and as Post graduate centre by universities in the State of Karnataka namely Bangalore University, Bangalore, Karnataka University, Dharwad, University of  Agricultural sciences, Bangalore and University of Mysore.

d)      Regional network :

With a view to identify the local problems while adopting the available technologies under the prevailing agro-climatic conditions enabling incorporation of suitable modifications and to impart technical know-how for the dissemination of technologies, the sub-stations have been established with following programmes:

KADAGANCHI (Gulbarga district-Dry-arid): Mulberry varieties and silkworm races are being screened for their adaptability for the hot- arid climatic region.

MELINAKURUVALLI (Shimoga district-High rainfall) : Evaluation of improved mulberry varieties and silkworm races and experiments on tree planting are in progress to identify their suitability for high rainfall areas.

B.R.HILLS (Chamarajanagar district-Rainfed) : A separate unit for silkworm breeding has been established at B.R.Hills as a supporting component for related activities taken up at Ooty and at the main station with emphasis for the requirements of the rainfed tract.

OOTY (Tamilnadu) : A repository for silkworm races and mulberry varieties of temperate origin is maintained at this sub-station. This germplasm serves as the source for breeing programmes of the Institute.

BIDADI: The silkworm breeding unit of the Sericulture Division is located at Bidadi in Ramanagaram taluk of Bangalore Rural District.

e)      Major service programmes :

The Institute is offering following services to farmers/reelers/weavers etc.

  • Testing of mulberry garden soils and recommending fertilizer dosages and corrective measures to the farmers.

  • Production and supply of bio-fertilizers.

  • Testing of mulberry for nutritional disorders, disease and pest infestation and providing recommendations.

  • Raising of saplings and supply of planting material of improved mulberry varieties.

  • Maintenance of nucleus stock P4 and supply of P3 layings of bivoltines and multivoltines to the Department of Sericulture, Government of Karnataka.

  • Testing  the larvae and cocoon samples from the farmers and suggesting suitable measures.

  • Cold storing of silkworm eggs belonging to the Dept. of Sericulture (DOSK) and Central Silk Board (CSB).

  • Collection, testing and recommending corrective measures for reeling water.

  • Testing the silk yarn, dyes and fabric samples for the quality.

f)      Sericulture Information and Documentation Centre:

The Institute has a well established Library with a large number of periodicals and books on sericulture. A programme has been drawn to adequately upgrade this facility so as to serve as Information Resource Centre for Sericulture Research. The centre also undertakes printing and distribution of the Institute’s publications.

g)     Literature:

Apart from a large number of research papers, review and technical articles, the Institute has so far published over 70 extension brochures, booklets and books both in English and Kannada.

h)     Sophisticated Instrumentation Facilities:

The Institute has well equipped instrumentation facility with sophisticated instruments namely Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Liquid Scintillation counter, UV/VIS/NIR/Spectrometer, Amino Acid Analyser, High Performance Liquid Chromotograph (HPLC), Gas Chromotograph (GC), High Speed and Ultra refrigerated Centrifuges, Lyophilizer, Ultra Microtome, different types of Optical Microscopes and Analytical Microbalances etc. These facilities are extended for use by other Research Institutes/Universities.

i)       Museum :

A museum depicting an overview of Sericulture Industry of the country in general and the state in particular, as also of the research and development  components of the industry, is recognised with due emphasis to the technologies developed by the Institute.

j)      Cold Storage :

For carrying out various projects on Seed Technology the cold storage has been established in the main station. The facility is also made available to other organisations for cold storage of silkworm eggs.

k)      Other Facilities:

Hostel facility has been created for the trainees and farmers. Guest house facility has also been organised. About 50% of the staff have been provided with residential accommodation.

TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGIES :

Major thrusts is now given for comprehensive programmes on Transfer of Technologies for which a separate Extension & Training Wing has been formed.

Commercial production of technologies related materials is taken up by private firms through licensing. Small scale production of materials for field trails, testing and popularisation is taken up directly by the Institute. Programme on “Handicrafts Innovation for value addition in sericulture” has also been initiated. “Reshme Vaahini” the audio visual unit, and “Reshme Darpana” the quarterly newsletter of the Institute help in taking the technologies related information and materials and messages to the  farmers and extension staff and other end users. A series of audio cassettes covering the technologies of the Institute are also being brought out mainly for the benefit of farmer community.

TWO DECADES OF SERVICE :

To mark the completion of two decades of the Institute, the year 2001-2002 was observed as “The Transfer of Technologies Year” through special programmes by conduct of a series of workshops, seminars and related activities.