Central Tasar Research and Training Institute (CTRTI): An Overview

Introduction

The Central Tasar Research and Training Institute (CTRTI) is a premier institute dedicated to the research and development of tasar silk production and its allied activities. Located in Ranchi, Jharkhand, CTRTI is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Established with the aim to boost the production of tasar silk in India, the institute plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of sericulture practices, improving the livelihood of silk farmers, and promoting sustainable silk production methods.

The institute focuses on developing new technologies, conducting research, training sericulturists, and facilitating the growth of the sericulture industry, particularly the tasar silk sector, which is indigenous to the tribal regions of India.

Mission and Vision

• Vision:
  To become a world-class research and training institute for tasar silk, contributing to the economic development of rural areas through sustainable practices, research, and training.
• Mission:
  • To foster innovation in the tasar sericulture sector through advanced research and technology.
  • To improve the yield and quality of tasar silk by developing effective and sustainable practices.
  • To provide training and technical assistance to sericulturists, particularly in the tribal and rural regions, enabling them to achieve better productivity and income.
  • To create awareness about the importance of tasar silk and its potential as a sustainable livelihood option.

Key Objectives of CTRTI

1. Research and Development (R&D):
   CTRTI conducts research to improve the quality and quantity of tasar silk. This includes breeding techniques for silkworms, development of new strains of silk, and enhancing productivity through scientific farming practices.
2. Training and Capacity Building:
   One of the core functions of the institute is to train sericulturists, especially in the tribal areas where tasar silk is a major livelihood source. Through workshops, seminars, and field demonstrations, the institute educates farmers on best practices for silkworm rearing, silkworm health management, and silk processing.
3. Promotion of Sustainable Practices:
   CTRTI emphasizes sustainability in sericulture by developing eco-friendly practices, encouraging organic methods, and improving the management of natural resources such as mulberry leaves (the food for silkworms) and cocoon production.
4. Collaboration with Industry and Government:
   CTRTI works closely with other government agencies, private industry, and academic institutions to develop a comprehensive strategy for the promotion of tasar silk. These collaborations help in the dissemination of research findings, promoting innovations, and creating market linkages for tasar silk.

Research Focus Areas

CTRTI is involved in several cutting-edge research areas related to tasar sericulture. Some of the key research areas include:

Training and Education

As part of its mission to promote sustainable sericulture, CTRTI organizes several training programs aimed at improving the skills and knowledge of sericulturists. These programs are designed to help farmers adopt modern technologies, better farming practices, and improve their income from tasar silk.

Training Programs Offered:

1. Sericulture Training for Farmers:
   These programs focus on practical aspects of silkworm rearing, management, and the best practices for increasing productivity. They cover topics such as silkworm health, feeding, and harvesting.
2. Advanced Training for Sericulture Entrepreneurs:
   This program is aimed at individuals who wish to establish silkworm rearing as a business. It provides advanced knowledge on sericulture management, value-added products, and market linkage strategies.
3. Workshops on Sustainable Practices:
   The institute conducts workshops on eco-friendly methods in sericulture, focusing on organic rearing, integrated pest management, and reducing the carbon footprint of silk production.
4. Capacity Building for Extension Workers:
   These programs aim to train extension workers, who can then go on to educate other sericulturists in the region, thus creating a wider impact on the community.

Infrastructure and Facilities

CTRTI is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure to support its research and training activities. The facilities available at CTRTI include:

Impact on the Silk Industry and Rural Economy

CTRTI has played a significant role in improving the livelihoods of sericulturists, particularly in rural and tribal areas. The institute’s research and training initiatives have contributed to the following:

• Increased Silk Production: Through the dissemination of advanced sericulture practices and better silkworm management techniques, tasar silk production has seen a steady increase, benefiting both small and large-scale sericulturists.
• Improved Farmer Income: By teaching sustainable farming techniques and providing better quality cocoons and silk, CTRTI has helped improve the quality of tasar silk, leading to better market prices for farmers.
• Livelihood Creation: The development of the tasar silk industry has created numerous employment opportunities in rural areas, including in silk farming, processing, and marketing. This has been especially important in the tribal regions, where sericulture is a key source of income.
• Promoting Women’s Empowerment: Many women in rural areas have been trained in silkworm rearing and processing, which has empowered them economically and socially, contributing to overall community development.

Collaborations and Partnerships

CTRTI collaborates with several national and international organizations, research institutes, and universities to further its goals. These collaborations enable knowledge sharing, technical exchange, and the implementation of innovative sericulture practices.

Some notable collaborations include:

• National Research Centers on Sericulture
• Universities and Research Institutions
• State Sericulture Departments
• Industry Partners in Silk Production and Processing

Conclusion

The Central Tasar Research and Training Institute (CTRTI) plays a pivotal role in advancing the tasar silk industry in India. Through its innovative research, effective training programs, and focus on sustainable practices, the institute has significantly contributed to the development of sericulture, enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and boosting the rural economy. As it continues its mission to improve silk production and promote sustainable farming, CTRTI remains a key player in the evolution of India’s silk industry, particularly in the region of Jharkhand and other states where tasar silk is a vital economic activity.

Contact Information

• Address: Central Tasar Research and Training Institute (CTRTI), Piska More, Ranchi – 834 010, Jharkhand, India
• Phone: +91 651 226 8505
• Email: ctrti.ranchi@nic.in
• Website: www.ctrti.org

The institute’s dedicated efforts in research, training, and technology adoption continue to foster growth in the sericulture industry, supporting India’s economic development in the textiles sector.