Ehsaan Yousf
Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, organised an awareness programme on prevention and control of Grasserie disease at Arhama, Ganderbal. The programme was themed under “Mera Resham Mera Abhiman” and conducted by Joint Director Dr Rajesh Kumar, in which more than 30 silkworm rearers, field staff and technical personnel participated. It aimed to create technical awareness among mulberry silkworm rearers about “identification, hygiene, prevention and management” of viral disease outbreaks especially Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus – BmNPV.
“The programme enhanced the farmers’ knowledge regarding early diagnosis, prevention and management of BmNPV infection,” Dr Rajesh Kumar said. Participants were given practical guidance on early detection of Grasserie disease, the key focus was given on how to find early symptoms such as loss of appetite, sluggishness, swelling, milky appearance of larvae and rupture of the larval body, he added.
Demonstrations were conducted on rearing-house hygiene, disinfection, proper handling of silkworms, removal and safe disposal of diseased or dead larvae. Besides the other briefing about the importance of maintening suitable temperature, humidity, overcrowding, and regular monitoring of the silkworm crop. The awareness programme further allowed silkworm rearers the opportunity to learn about how to take preventive and prophylactic measures, use of healthy silkworm seed and good-quality mulberry leaves.
“Farmers gained practical awareness about maintaining hygienic rearing conditions, timely removal of infected larvae and adoption of preventive measures, and the interaction helped identify field-level constraints faced by farmers along with appropriate technical guidance,” Rajesh further said. The programme is expected to contribute towards reduction in disease incidence, larval mortality and enhancement of cocoon production and quality.
