Central
Sericultural Germplasm Resources Centre (CSGRC), Hosur
Date
of Visit: 18th September 2025
As
part of the academic curriculum and to enhance the practical knowledge of
students, the Department of Biotechnology, Sri Sankara Arts and Science
College, Kanchipuram, organised an industrial visit to the Central
Sericultural Germplasm Resources Centre (CSGRC), located in Hosur,
on 18th September 2025. A total of 58 students, accompanied by faculty members Dr Harishkumar R, Assistant Professor and Dr Vinodhini S, Assistant Professor,
Department of Biotechnology, took part in this educational visit.
The
visit aimed to provide students with exposure to real-world applications of
biotechnology in the field of sericulture, including silkworm rearing,
silk production, genetic resource conservation, and the scientific research
behind the industry.
Objectives of the Visit
- To
understand the silkworm life cycle and rearing practices.
- To
study mulberry cultivation and its role in sericulture.
- To
learn about different silk species and their production processes.
- To
observe the conservation techniques of silkworm genetic resources.
- To
explore potential internship and research opportunities at CSGRC.
The lifecycle of the silkworm (Eri
variant)
About the Organisation: CSGRC, Hosur
The
Central Sericultural Germplasm Resources Centre (CSGRC) is a premier
institute under the Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of
India. It serves as a national repository for silkworm genetic resources
and plays a vital role in collection, conservation, characterisation, and
utilization of diverse silkworm and mulberry germplasm for research and
development in sericulture.
Summary
of the Visit
Upon
arrival, the students and faculty were warmly received by the Dr. V. Nishitha Naik [Director of CSGRC, Hosur]. A group
photo session was conducted with the Director and scientists of the institute, the
faculty, students, and the scientists.
We
sincerely thank Dr Hridya H [Scientist C] for her excellent coordination
and support in arranging the visit and handling the approval processes. The
visit included presentations and hands-on exposure to the following key areas:
Technical
Sessions by Scientists
- Dr
Nandhan [Scientist B]
delivered an informative session on:
- Mulberry
cultivation and improvement techniques
- Silkworm
rearing and management practices
- Silk
production process, from cocoon to yarn
- Dr
Muthulakshmi M [Scientist D]
explained:
- The
various silk species, such as Mulberry, Eri, Tasar, and Muga at
Seri Museum.
- The
biological characteristics and production cycle of each species
- Silk
extraction techniques and post-rearing processes
- Shri
Raju Mondal [Scientist
C] presented:
- The
role and functions of CSGRC in sericulture-genetic conservation
- Ongoing
research and collaborative projects
- The
importance of conserving indigenous and exotic silkworm varieties
- Covered
the biotechnological aspects of sericulture and mulberry gene
conservation.
Detailed
understanding of multivoltine and bivoltine silkworm breeds, Familiarity
with the life cycle of the Eri silkworm species, Practical exposure to
the silk rearing and cocoon production process, Knowledge of sericulture
genetic resource management and conservation techniques, and Awareness of
how biotechnology supports the silk industry in India.
Finally,
students were able to learn about the composting of silkworm wastes, explained
by Dr Sakthivel [Scientist D] and Dr Nandhan [Scientist B].
Internship
Opportunities
During
the visit, the students were informed about internship opportunities at
CSGRC. The institute encourages student involvement in research, providing
exposure to lab practices, data collection, and hands-on work with silkworm
species and mulberry varieties.
They had
the great chance to visit their museum, which had all of their models and
showed the life cycles of the silkworm. And explained the history and evolution
of silkworm production and shared the scope of sericulture in the field of
biotechnology and entrepreneurship in the silkworm field. We got to know how
many varieties of plants are used for feeding the silk worm, especially the
mulberry plant, including how they are conserved in their laboratory.
Dr
Prateesh Kumar PM [Scientist D] explained to us every stage of the silkworm
from egg to adult at Eri Silkworm Seed Production Centre, Hosur.
Scientists
explained to us how they reproduce, and how to do gender identification while
allowing reproduction with a simulated environment in favour of fertilisation.
The
students can actively interact with scientists and clarify their
doubts, including the scientific and industrial scope of sericulture.
Conclusion
The
industrial visit to CSGRC, Hosur, was an enlightening and educational
experience for the students of the Department of Biotechnology. It provided a
valuable platform for integrating theoretical knowledge with real-world
applications in sericulture and biotechnology. The sessions conducted by the
scientists were highly informative and helped students gain insight into
advanced scientific processes in the silk industry.
The
Department extends its heartfelt thanks to the Director and Scientists of
CSGRC, and special appreciation to Dr Hridya H [Scientist C] for
making the visit a success.
