The Central Silk Board (CSB), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, successfully organized the National Industry Meet SERI‑SETU at Bengaluru, bringing together scientists, scholars, entrepreneurs, startups, industry experts, CSB licensees, academic institutions and State Sericulture Departments for technology upgradation and commercialization in the silk sector.

Padma Shri Dr. A.S. Kiran Kumar, Former Chairperson, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) inaugurated the session, along with other dignitaries. A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was also signed (CSB & Fibroheal) to catalyse technology adoption and growth in sericulture. In addition, the new issue of the IJS publication (Indian Journal of Sericulture) & Abstract book (covered the latest innovations) were released on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Padma Shri Dr. A.S. Kiran Kumar underscored that bridging research and industry is a critical driver of innovation. He reflected on the role of advanced research and technology, from space science to nanotechnology in distinguishing national productivity and strength and voiced confidence that India will emerge as a leader across fields by 2047 under the vision of a developed nation, even as quantum and artificial intelligence advance rapidly. The speaker also praised the CSB team for their leadership and commitment to the sector.

Dr. S. Senthil Vinayagam, Director, Indian Institute of Plantation Management (IIPM), Bengaluru, lauded CSB’s foresight in bolstering the research workforce in sericulture and highlighted development through cluster‑based approaches, citing examples such as Tamil Nadu. 
Shri P. Sivakumar, IFS, Member Secretary, Central Silk Board, emphasised the necessity for stakeholders to move beyond comfort with outdated practices and adopt new technologies and improved varieties, stressing that research must be implemented at the field level and that India should aim to lead not just in consumption but in production.

Shri P.S. Girisha, IAS, Director (Finance), Central Silk Board, noted various schemes under the Ministry of Textiles supporting sector growth, including the recent announcement of the National Fibre Scheme (NFS) in the Union Budget, and reiterated CSB’s commitment in supporting sericulture dependents and beneficiaries.

Dr. Manthira S. Moorthy, Director (Technical) & Director, CSB-NSSO, spoke on the Board’s interest in advancing basic sericulture research, including explorations in space, and on expanding the sector both vertically and horizontally to raise the value of seri‑products.
Technical sessions and stakeholder engagement

Following the inaugural proceedings, the meet transitioned into in‑depth thematic technical sessions, panel discussions and a technology exhibition, poster presentations by students/scholars offering a robust platform for networking among R&D institutions, startups, entrepreneurs, industry stakeholders and licensees.

 

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