Srinagar June 5: The Central Sericulture Research & Training Institute (CSB-CSR&TI), Pampore, under the Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, organized the Soil Scientists Meet 2026 at NIFT, Srinagar, in hybrid mode, commemorating the World Environment Day 2026.
The event, organized under the theme “Soil Health for Silk: Strategies for Sustainable Sericulture,” brought together leading soil scientists, researchers, academicians, policymakers, and stakeholders to deliberate on the challenges posed by climate change and their implications for soil health, productivity, and sustainable sericulture.
Welcoming the participants, Dr. Sakthivel N., Director, CSR&TI Pampore, highlighted the vital role of soil health in strengthening sericulture ecosystems. He also acknowledged the support and guidance of the Member Secretary, Central Silk Board, in organising the event.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. S. Manthira Moorthy, Director (Technical), Central Silk Board, Bengaluru, emphasized the need for integrated soil management practices and scientific innovations to strengthen the sustainability of the sericulture sector. Shri Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IAS, Director, Sericulture Development Department, Jammu & Kashmir, underscored the importance of region specific interventions for enhancing soil productivity and farmer livelihoods.
In his virtual address, Shri P. Sivakumar, IFS, Member Secretary & CEO, Central Silk Board, Bengaluru, stressed the need for collaborative research and technology driven solutions to take care of soil by strengthening climate resilience and sustainability in sericulture production systems.
A major highlight of the event was the release of the book titled “Climate Resilient Sericulture in India: Challenges, Impacts and Adaptation Strategies” by the distinguished dignitaries present on the occasion. The publication is expected to serve as an important reference document for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders working towards climate adaptation in sericulture.
As part of the World Environment Day celebrations, a Plantation Drive was organized to reinforce the commitment towards environmental conservation, ecological restoration, and sustainable development. The initiative witnessed enthusiastic participation from scientists, officials and stakeholders.
The meet concluded with discussions on measures to strengthen soil health, enhance climate resilience and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sericulture sector.
