About ISTR
Sericulture industry sustains on the strength of quality seed, crop performance and productivity at farmers level. Realizing the necessity of research support required for the seed sector, Central Silk Board (CSB) established ‘Institute for Silkworm Seed Technology Research’ (formerly Silkworm Seed Technology Laboratory) in Bangalore during 1989, to tackle the various seed related problems and to develop suitable package/technologies required for improving the quality of silkworm seed being produced in the Country.
After initial establishment, the institute started its full-fledged research work from 1992, giving priority to adaptive research, which are need based and user-friendly. The Institute is functioning under National Silkworm Seed Organization, a unit of Central Silk Board, since 2006.
📌 The Central Silk Board in its 142nd Board Meeting held on 19.01.2025 has renamed Silkworm Seed Technology Laboratory as ‘Institute for Silkworm Seed Technology Research’ to suite the mandate and activity of the institute besides, national recognition and collaboration.
Collaboration & Contribution
Ever since its establishment, the institute has worked in close co-operation with the parent organization, National Silkworm Seed Organization (NSSO) and made outstanding contribution for the development and dissemination of appropriate technology for seed production and handling under the tropical climate for both multivoltine and bivoltine varieties. The institute’s core competence enabled it over the years to carve a niche for itself.
Research & Achievements
The technological achievements of this Institute are field tested from time to time and recommendations transferred to the user departments. In addition to the above, the Institute has standardized the methodology for conducting quarantine examination and it is an authorized centre for quarantine tests for import and export of silkworm eggs and cocoon.
It is heartening to realise that the NSSO looks forward to ISTR as an important and emerging centre of excellence which caters to the research needs of silkworm seed sector. This institute is also actively participating in the implementation of Evaluation, Demonstration and Verification of Seed crop rearing technology.
The sustained efforts of the scientists backed by the excellent guidance of the Seed Advisory Committee could bring out remarkable achievements relevant to the industrial needs in the R&D sector particularly for seed.
Looking ahead, the Institute has formulated a forward-looking research strategy focused on both qualitative and quantitative enhancement of silkworm seed production, positioning ISTR to meet the challenges and opportunities of the coming decade.
