Industrial visit to the Central Sericultural Germplasm Resources Centre (CSGRC), Hosur on 18th September 2025

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 team at CSGRC. A group photo session was conducted with the Director 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.