Srinagar: The Central Sericulture Research and Training Institute (CSR&TI), Pampore, under the Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, organised the Soil Scientists Meet-2026 at NIFT Srinagar in hybrid mode on Friday, coinciding with World Environment Day.
Held under the theme “Soil Health for Silk: Strategies for Sustainable Sericulture,” the event brought together soil scientists, researchers, academicians, policymakers and other stakeholders to discuss the impact of climate change on soil health, productivity and the sustainability of the sericulture sector.
Welcoming the participants, Director CSR&TI Pampore, Dr Sakthivel N., highlighted the critical role of soil health in strengthening sericulture ecosystems and acknowledged the support of the Central Silk Board in organising the event.
Addressing the gathering, Director (Technical), Central Silk Board, Bengaluru, Dr S. Manthira Moorthy, emphasized the need for integrated soil management practices and scientific innovations to ensure long-term sustainability in sericulture. Director, Sericulture Development Department, Jammu and Kashmir, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, stressed the importance of region-specific interventions to improve soil productivity and enhance farmers’ livelihoods.
In his virtual address, Member Secretary and CEO, Central Silk Board, P. Sivakumar, called for collaborative research and technology-driven solutions to strengthen climate resilience and sustainability in sericulture production systems.
A major highlight of the programme was the release of the book “Climate Resilient Sericulture in India: Challenges, Impacts and Adaptation Strategies.” The publication is expected to serve as a valuable reference for researchers, policymakers and stakeholders working in the field of climate adaptation and sustainable sericulture.
As part of the World Environment Day celebrations, a plantation drive was also organised to promote environmental conservation, ecological restoration and sustainable development. Scientists, officials and stakeholders actively participated in the initiative.
The meet concluded with deliberations on measures to improve soil health, strengthen climate resilience and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sericulture sector in the face of emerging environmental challenges.
