The Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute (CSB-CSRTI), Mysuru, established in 1961, stands as the premier institute for tropical sericulture research, training, and extension in India. Over the last six decades, the Institute has made immense contributions to strengthening Indian sericulture, transforming it from a household activity into a vibrant, technology-driven industry.

Our campus, spread across 135 acres with 40 acres of mulberry farms, is supported by state-of-the-art laboratories, dedicated divisions in Moriculture, Sericulture, Sericultural Engineering, Sericulture Extension, Economics & Management and Training. Together with five Regional Sericultural Research Stations (RSRS), 18 Research Extension Centres (RECs), a P4 Basic Seed Farm at Hassan, and a Satellite Silkworm Breeding Station at Coonoor, CSB-CSRTI Mysuru has established a strong research-extension network that directly connects with farmers in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.

The Institute’s hallmark achievements include the development of high-yielding mulberry varieties such as V1, G4, MSG2, AGB8, and G2 (specifically for young-age silkworm rearing), alongside the release of productive silkworm breeds and hybrids, notably the CSR series and double hybrids like FC1×FC2 and TT21×TT56. A significant milestone was the development of a new bivoltine hybrid through international collaboration with Bulgaria, leading to the evolution of BFC1×BFC10, which has shown highly promising results in large-scale trials nationwide.

Complementing these genetic advancements, the Institute has standardized and popularized packages of practices in chawki rearing, shoot rearing, disease management, and crop protection. These interventions have revolutionized cocoon production, bringing about a remarkable improvement in productivity. Renditta, which stood at 13–15 in the 1970s, has now been brought down to nearly 6.5, reflecting the tangible impact of scientific innovation on farmer livelihoods.

Beyond research, the Institute has significantly strengthened its extension mandate through programmes such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) initiatives, Institute Village Linkage Programmes (IVLP), and the Cluster Promotion Programme (CPP). These interventions have redefined the outreach dimension of Indian sericulture, ensuring that scientific innovations directly reach farming communities. With nearly 30 patents and more than 40 commercialized technologies, CSB-CSRTI Mysuru has become a symbol of innovation and impact. Equally, the Institute is a centre of higher learning, having trained more than 55,000 personnel including over 800 international participants.

It is my privilege to serve as the first woman Director of this esteemed Institute. This distinction inspires me to uphold the rich legacy created by my predecessors and to work with renewed determination to further enhance the glory of CSB-CSRTI. With the energy of young scientists, the wisdom of senior colleagues, and the collective commitment of our staff, I am confident that we will continue to strengthen sericulture through research, innovation, and farmer-centric extension.

Our focus will remain on developing and fine-tuning technologies that are practical, need-based, and farmer-oriented. Special emphasis will be placed on silkworm breeding to identify robust bivoltine breeds and new double hybrids to meet emerging industry demands.

As we march forward, I earnestly seek the support of every member of the CSB-CSRTI family in fulfilling the mandate of the Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Together, let us continue this journey of innovation, service, and empowerment - building on our legacy, advancing with science, and strengthening the farmers who are the backbone of Indian sericulture.

                                                                                                                                                 Dr. P. Deepa