Ganderbal, August 28, 2026: The Central Silk Board (CSB), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, organised an awareness programme on the prevention and management of Grasserie disease among mulberry silkworm rearers at Arhama in Ganderbal.
The programme, held under the theme “Mera Resham Mera Abhiman,” was conducted under the guidance of Joint Director Dr Rajesh Kumar and witnessed the participation of more than 30 silkworm rearers, field staff and technical personnel.
The programme focused on creating technical awareness among farmers regarding the identification, hygiene, prevention and management of viral diseases, particularly Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV), which causes Grasserie disease in silkworms.
Dr Rajesh Kumar said the programme enhanced farmers’ understanding of the early diagnosis, prevention and management of BmNPV infections. He said participants were provided practical guidance on identifying early symptoms, including loss of appetite, sluggishness, swelling, milky appearance of larvae and rupture of the larval body.
Live demonstrations were also conducted on rearing-house hygiene, disinfection, proper handling of silkworms, and safe removal and disposal of diseased or dead larvae. Participants were briefed on maintaining suitable temperature and humidity levels, preventing overcrowding and regularly monitoring silkworm crops.
Special emphasis was also laid on adopting preventive and prophylactic measures, using healthy silkworm seed and ensuring the availability of good-quality mulberry leaves for improved crop health.
“Farmers gained practical awareness about maintaining hygienic rearing conditions, timely removal of infected larvae and adoption of preventive measures. The interaction also helped identify field-level constraints faced by farmers and provide appropriate technical guidance,” Dr Rajesh Kumar said.
The Central Silk Board said such awareness initiatives are aimed at reducing disease incidence and larval mortality while improving cocoon production, quality and overall productivity among silkworm rearers.
