Entrepreneurs trained for preparation of treated bamboo appliances New

EXTENSION NETWORK

To facilitate effective transfer of technologies, developed by the institute and their validation at the field, three-tier extension system i.e. Regional Research Stations, Research Extension Centres (REC) and REC Sub-Units is adopted. The regional stations are located in major sericulture zones to carry out region and season specific research and to facilitate test verification and effective dissemination of laboratory findings to the field. The regional stations, along with the RECs under their control, are performing major works towards identification of technologies suitable to regional needs and their diffusion to field. The RECs and Sub-Units have the responsibilities of transferring technologies to the beneficiaries and also to provide all technological and input support to them.

Two Regional Sericultural Research Stations (RSRSs) are located at Boko in Kamrup district of Assam (catering to the needs of Muga and Eri culture stakeholders) and Imphal, Manipur (catering to the needs of Oak Tasar, Muga and Eri culture stakeholders). The stations have been carrying out region specific adaptive research suited to the regional requirements besides providing training to farmers and grass root level extension workers.

RECs for muga are located at Coochbehar (West Bengal) and Lakhimpur (Assam).

REC for Eri is located at Fatehpur (Uttar Pradesh).

REC Sille in Arunachal Pradesh is a multitasking unit catering to Muga, Eri and Mulberry Sericulture.

Extension Activities:

Extension programmes as per the annual action plan is implemented by the Director through the Scientist-D (SEEM Division) for the main Institute. Scientist-D, Scientist-C and Unit-in-Charge are responsible for implementation of the extension programmes for the respective units.

The Institute organizes various Extension Communication Programmes to disseminate technologies, enlighten the farmers on different aspects of improved host plant cultivation and silkworm rearing practices / technologies.

Vanya Resham Krishi Mela: This is an interactive occasion where farmers, reelers, weavers etc. gathers and discuss with the scientists of Institute about the development technologies for increasing productivity, about specific problems associated within the culture, adoption of new technologies etc.

Workshop: It is held to discuss the prevalent field problems among the scientists and farmers. Refinement of the packages is made on the basis of feedback received from the farmers.

Field day / Farmers day: It is held locally in potential sericulture areas. Dissemination of technology is made in consultation with departmental staff and farmers for solving the field problems.

Exhibition: It is held to exhibit the technological finding/output such as improved varieties of food plants, improved silkworm races, improved reeling & spinning machines and diversified end products etc. among the public. The aim of exhibition is to create awareness among the rearers, reelers, spinners and weavers.

The RECs are also involved in the following activities viz.