Chennai, Mar 7 (UNI) The Central Silk Board CSB-Central Sericultural Germplasm Resources Centre (CSB-CSGRC) of the union Ministry of Textiles organised a national seminar titled Seri Genetic Resources Conservation: Challenges, Innovations and Future Pathways at Hosur, Tamil Nadu last evening.
The seminar focuses on conservation of sericulture genetic resources and emerging innovations to strengthen sustainability and future growth of the silk sector.
The programme was graced by P. Sivakumar, Member Secretary, CSB; Dr. Naresh Babu N., Joint Secretary (Technical), CSB; and Dr. Manthira S. Moorthy, Director (Technical), CSB.
In their addresses, the dignitaries highlighted various aspects of biodiversity conservation in sericulture with Sivakumar emphasizing the significance of in-situ and ex-situ conservation methodologies for safeguarding valuable sericulture genetic resources.
Dr. Naresh Babu highlighted national and international Acts, policies and resolutions related to biodiversity conservation, including those concerning forests and wildlife protection and Dr. Manthira S. Moorthy spoke about India’s traditional knowledge systems in conservation and explained adaptive mechanisms in silkworms, such as hibernation, which help them withstand adverse environmental conditions, according to a PIB release.
Moorthy also highlighted initiatives undertaken in Japan for silkworm conservation, underscoring the importance of global collaboration.
The event was also graced by Dr. Nirmal Kumar S., Former Director, CSB-CSRTI, Berhampore, and Dr. Gowthami R., Senior Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR, Hyderabad, who delivered expert presentations on relevant subjects that were highly appreciated by the participants.
Directors of various Central Silk Board institutes also participated and deliberated on conservation approaches for silkworm genetic resources and host plant germplasm, highlighting ongoing research efforts and future priorities in the field.
The seminar brought together scientists, researchers, academicians, students and stakeholders from across the country, fostering discussions on innovative approaches and collaborative pathways for strengthening the conservation and sustainable utilization of sericulture genetic resources.
On the occasion, a Book of Abstracts was released. Students presented research posters, while scientists from Central Silk Board institutes presented technical papers on the core themes of sericulture genetic resource conservation and sustainable utilization.
CSGRC-Hosur organizes National seminar on Seri-Genetic resources conservation
