Pampore: In a significant step towards enhancing international cooperation in temperate sericulture, Dr. Valiyev Sayfiddin Tojiddinovich, Director of the Sericulture Research Institute, Tashkent (Uzbekistan), visited the Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute (CSRTI), Pampore, under the Central Silk Board (CSB), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, on 22 and 23 November 2025.
The visit forms part of the Indo–Uzbekistan collaborative research programme between the two premier sericulture research institutions.
Dr. Valiyev was received by Dr. Sardar Singh, Director, CSRTI Pampore, who earlier this year visited the Sericulture Research Institute in Tashkent as part of the ongoing R&D partnership. Scientists of CSRTI Pampore held extensive technical interactions with the visiting dignitary, focusing on advancements in temperate sericulture, research priorities, and future avenues for collaborative work.
One of the key highlights of the visit was the exchange of vital silkworm genetic resources under a formal Material Transfer Agreement. This exchange marks an important milestone in strengthening global genetic resource networks and will support advanced breeding and developmental strategies in temperate sericulture.
Dr. Valiyev also visited the institute’s laboratories and the Seri-Tourism Project site at Manasbal, Ganderbal. He expressed appreciation for CSRTI Pampore’s efforts in maintaining and conserving 150 temperate mulberry varieties sourced from 20 countries, along with a diverse silkworm germplasm collection of Indian, Chinese, European, and Japanese origin. He commended the Central Silk Board for showcasing global mulberry and silkworm biodiversity within Kashmir’s unique temperate ecosystem.
The collaboration is expected to boost efforts in genetic improvement, advanced rearing technologies, sustainable sericulture development, and high-quality bivoltine silk production in both countries.
Drawing parallels between the temperate sericulture zones of Kashmir and Uzbekistan, Dr. Valiyev highlighted the potential for mutual learning and technological advancement based on shared ecological strengths.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sardar Singh, Director, CSRTI Pampore, said that under the guidance of the Member Secretary, Central Silk Board, this visit and the associated genetic resource exchange have opened new avenues for joint R&D initiatives, future research projects, and intensive knowledge sharing between scientists of both nations.
The visit marks a historic milestone in international scientific cooperation, opening new pathways for innovation, capacity-building, and sustained growth in temperate sericulture across India and Uzbekistan.
