CSB–Central Tasar Research & Training Institute (CSB-CTRTI), Ranchi

Introduction:

The Central Tasar Research & Training Institute (CTRTI), Ranchi is the premier institute of the Central Silk Board (CSB), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, dedicated exclusively to research, development, training, and extension in the field of tasar sericulture. Established in 1964, the Institute has been serving as the national centre of excellence for scientific research and technological innovation aimed at the sustainable development of both tropical and temperate (oak) tasar sericulture in India.

For more than six decades, CTRTI has played a pivotal role in transforming tasar sericulture from a traditional forest-based activity into a scientifically managed, sustainable, and economically viable rural enterprise. The Institute has developed numerous technologies for improving productivity, quality, profitability, and resilience across the entire tasar value chain while enhancing the livelihoods of tribal and rural communities.

Research Excellence:

The research programmes of CTRTI combine conventional biological sciences with modern tools such as molecular biology, genomics, biotechnology, bioinformatics, precision agriculture, digital monitoring and data-driven decision-making. The Institute continuously develops technologies that improve:

• Silkworm productivity and survival
• Cocoon quality and silk yield
• Host plant productivity
• Pest and disease management
• Resource-use efficiency
• Climate resilience
• Environmental sustainability
• Farm profitability

Special emphasis is placed on developing technologies suitable for resource-poor tribal farmers and rainfed production systems.

Technology Development and Transfer:

One of the major strengths of CTRTI is its strong extension and technology transfer system. Technologies developed by the Institute are validated under field conditions before being disseminated through:

• Frontline demonstrations
• On-farm trials
• Cluster-based technology dissemination
• Capacity-building programmes
• Exposure visits
• Skill development programmes
• Digital advisory services
• Publications and technical manuals

These initiatives bridge the gap between research laboratories and farmers’ fields, ensuring rapid adoption of improved technologies.

Human Resource Development:

Capacity building is one of the core mandates of the Institute. CTRTI regularly conducts:

• Post Graduate deploma in Sericulture (PGDS)
• Refresher courses for scientists and extension personnel
• Skill development programmes for farmers
• Entrepreneurship development programmes
• Hands-on laboratory training
• Workshops, seminars and conferences

These programmes contribute significantly to creating a skilled workforce for the tasar silk sector.

Support to States:

CTRTI provides scientific, technical and extension support to major tasar-producing states across India. Through its research, advisory services and field-based interventions, the Institute assists State Governments in planning, implementing and monitoring developmental programmes related to tasar sericulture. Its technologies are widely adopted in tropical tasar-growing states as well as temperate oak tasar regions.

Network of Research and Extension Units:

To ensure effective outreach and region-specific technology delivery, CTRTI operates through an extensive network comprising:

• Six Regional Sericultural Research Stations (RSRSs)
• Three Research Extension Centres (RECs)
• One P4 Breeding Station
• One Raw Material Bank

This network enables location-specific research, technology assessment, farmer support, capacity building and extension services across diverse agro-climatic regions.

Tribal Livelihood Development:

Tasar sericulture is deeply intertwined with the livelihoods of tribal and forest-dependent communities. Recognizing its socio-economic significance, CTRTI focuses on technologies and interventions that:

• Enhance household income
• Generate year-round employment
• Promote women’s participation
• Encourage youth entrepreneurship
• Strengthen producer institutions
• Improve value addition and market access
• Foster sustainable utilization of forest resources

The Institute actively collaborates with Central and State Government departments, development agencies, NGOs, academic institutions and private organizations to implement livelihood-oriented programmes.

Sustainability and Climate Resilience:

Sustainability remains central to the Institute’s research and development agenda. CTRTI promotes environmentally responsible practices through:

• Agroforestry-based production systems
• Conservation of biodiversity and indigenous genetic resources
• Integrated nutrient and pest management
• Reduced dependence on chemical inputs
• Climate-smart production technologies
• Efficient utilization of natural resources

These interventions contribute to ecological restoration while ensuring long-term productivity and resilience.

Collaboration and Partnerships:

The Institute maintains active collaborations with universities, research organizations, State Departments, national laboratories, industries, international agencies and development partners. These partnerships facilitate multidisciplinary research, technology commercialization, innovation, capacity building and policy support for the holistic development of the tasar silk sector.

Looking Ahead:

As India’s apex institution for tasar research and development, CSB-CTRTI is committed to advancing scientific excellence, fostering innovation and delivering technologies that improve productivity, sustainability and rural prosperity. With a strong emphasis on digital transformation, biotechnology, climate resilience, entrepreneurship and stakeholder partnerships, the Institute continues to lead the advancement of India’s tasar silk industry.

By integrating science, technology, extension and human resource development, CSB- CTRTI remains dedicated to empowering farmers, supporting policymakers, strengthening the silk value chain and contributing to the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat through sustainable and inclusive growth of the tasar sericulture sector.