Role of capacity building, extension and services in tasar sector

Aim: To train manpower for disseminating the technologies to the grassroots level stakeholders and facilitate to replicate the successful model of sericulture practice developed in tasar sector. Methodology: Central Tasar Research and Training Institute (CTRTI), Ranchi organizes different training programmes for the benefit of various stakeholders of the industry. These programmes are tailor-made to meet the specific needs of each sector and of immense help in updating the knowledge and skills of the extension personnel and sericulturists, through Field Day, Farmers Day, Technology Demonstration, Awareness Programme, Group Discussion and Farmers Meet / Krishi Mela, etc., which are the major platforms of ECPs providing technical support and transfer of technologies developed by CTRTI. Results: For the purpose, different training programmes were organized in last five years (2017-2022) from time to time by CTRTI and approximately 6753 persons were trained in different subsectors of sericulture through training programmes like: Structured Training Course (PGDS-Vanya Silk), Farmers Skill Training, Exposure visit for Technology Awareness, Technology Orientation Programme for the frontline officers / officials of DOS/NGO/ Lead farmers /student / project work on microbiology/biotechnology, etc., Seri Resource Centre (SRC),Competency Enhancement Training Programme (CETP), Training under Post Cocoon Sector, Lab-to-land demonstration, Establishment of BIOTECH-KISAN Hub. Skilling the farmers involving KVKs for expansion of tasar through training of the KVK Scientists under ICAR & nurtured Community Resource Persons (CRPs) under aegis of Producer Institutions. Interpretation: With the new developments taking place in the field of sericulture, the training and development activity is considered as a necessity by all forward-looking organizations both national and international for updating the knowledge and skill, and hence training needs will continue to perpetuate at all levels of silk industry world wide. To achieve the potential productivity levels, strategies are suggested for a viable effective extension system in the country in general and orthwest region, in particular. Key words: Alternate extension organizations, Capacity building and training and silk production, Extension, Productivity potential, Tasar culture