Tasar silk is a significant part of Indian ethnicity. The world’s most famous Indian Tasar silk is made from the Silkworm cocoon. The leading food of silkworms is the leaves of Arjun, sal, and Asan tree. The indigenous people of India, especially some tribes, have been cultivating silkworms using the forest of Sal, Arjun for centuries.

BTSSO, or Basic Tasar Silkworm Seed Organisation, is the sole seed Organisation in India that works in different cities. This article will learn about BTSSO and its importance in Tasar silk production. 

BTSSO or Basic Tasar Silkworm Seed Organisation in Chhattisgarh

Basic Tasar Silkworm Seed Organization is the sole seed organisation in India. BTSSO works in different districts of multiple cities in this country. The organisation got recognition from the Central Silk Board of India for reinforcing the division of the Tasar Silkworm Seed multiplication technique.  

The headquarter of this organisation is in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. The subsidiary unit is called Central Tasar Silkworm Seed Station. In addition, Kota and 22 Basic Multiplication and Training centres in 9 states are administered and technically controlled by the BTSSO, Chhattisgarh. 

Objectives of BTSSO

The Basic Tasar Silkworm Seed Organisation was established with some key objectives and recognised by the Central Silk Board in 1998-99 to reinforce the Tasar Silkworm production. Here are some of the primary objectives of this organisation listed below.

• Arranging different action plans for production and supply of Tasar silk.
• As a sole seed organisation in India, the organisation’s main objective is to systematise the old 3-tire multiplication technique for seed production. As per the approved norms and standards, the synchronicity and scrutiny of seed production are excellent parameters with timely and sufficient supply. 
• Conducts and systematically arranges teaching programs for Silkworm farmers or adopted Silkworm rearers. 
• Control and Observe seed production and recommend development when it is necessary.
• Expand the mandatory technical support through the top-rated technical skill to the Tasar Silkworm Seed Multiplication Centres for quality silk production.

Who is ASR?

ASR or Adopted Seed rearers refer to indigenous farmers of Chhattisgarh who get training from extended programs of the Central Board of Silk about rearing silkworms. Vanya cluster promotion programs, Capacity building training are some of such programs that teach silkworm farmers disinfection of rearing fields, maintenance of host plants, disease management, pest and predator management, etc. They are not only trained, but officials from the Central Board of Silk visit their fields time and again to guide and supervise them.

Maintenance of Host Plant

This is the most basic but essential aspect of silkworm rearing. Tasar silk is produced by Tropical Tasar silk and temperate tasar silkworm.

• Host plants for tasar silkworm include Arjun, Sal, Asan, etc.
• Young host plants are kept in exclusive chawki gardens under nylon nets.
• Chemical fertilisers like potash, phosphorus, and organic manures are applied to the host plants.
• Urea solution is sprayed to improve the quality of leaves.

Rearing Silkworms

Rearing silkworms is not easy, so special training is provided to the farmers.

• Maintaining a crop schedule is very important for rearing Tasar silkworms
• Disinfection of rearing fields with the guidance of experts
• Rearing young larvae on succulent leaves of the host plant and protecting them from weather conditions like heavy rains and strong winds. Also, saving them from pests by keeping them under nylon nets
• Taking needed care of silkworms in times of moult and spinning
• Disinfection of the body of silkworms with bleaching powder and lime
• Taking extra precautions while moving silkworm cocoons to the grainage house from rearing fields

Producing Tasar Seeds

This is the final stage of producing the seed of Tasar silk. After that, the basic Tasar seed is produced through the below-mentioned steps.

• Collecting or procuring seed cocoons from adopted and departmental silkworm rearers
• Disinfecting the grainage building using proper methods and disinfectant products
• Preserving the seed cocoons and taking proper care of them during this period
• Examining the mother moth time and again to ensure healthy layings
• Maintaining temperature and humidity levels of the grainage house during the preservation period
• Collecting eggs, washing, and surface sterilising
• Drying, storing, and packing eggs of the silkworm
• Transporting silkworm eggs in baskets during excellent hours of the day

Conclusion

The most famous and traditional Indian Tasar silk, which has a vast market in India and the whole world, is sourced from the cocoons of silkworms. BTSSO is the sole seed organisation that deals with the entire process of Tasar silk production. They provide necessary technical support and training to the silkworm rearers of different states for quality silk production and supply. Also, the organisation helps revive the traditional seed multiplication technique called the 3-tire methodology.