Background Tropical Tasar culture is one of the major components of the Vanya Silk sector in India and plays an important role in the livelihood security of tribal and rural communities. The tropical tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta, is reared mainly in forest and semi-forest regions across central and eastern India. Availability of quality disease-free seed is the foundation for sustainable cocoon production and productivity enhancement in the tasar sector. To strengthen the scientific seed production system and ensure timely supply of quality seed, the Central Silk Board established the CSB-Basic Tasar Silkworm Seed Organisation (BTSSO). CSB-BTSSO, Bilaspur - Organisation brief The Central Silk Board-Basic Tasar Silkworm Seed Organisation (CSB-BTSSO), Bilaspur, the sole seed organisation for Tropical Tasar silkworm seed in the country, came into existence during 1998-99 under the aegis of the Government of India. As a flagship organisation, CSB-BTSSO is entrusted with planning, coordination, production and supply of nucleus and basic tasar silkworm seed in India. The organisation plays a pivotal role in maintaining seed quality, strengthening seed multiplication systems and supporting sustainable development of the tropical tasar sector. Units of CSB-BTSSO CSB-BTSSO has a network of 18 units comprising one Central Tasar Silkworm Seed Station (CTSSS) located at Kargi-Kota and 17 Basic Seed Multiplication & Training Centres (BSM&TCs) spread across eight tasar-producing states of the country. These units undertake production of quality Disease Free Layings (DFLs) of both nucleus and basic seed. The centres adopt modern technologies and scientific techniques developed by research institutes, along with quality management practices, to ensure efficient and reliable tasar seed production. Human Resource Development (HRD) Programmes of CSB-BTSO CSB-BTSSO regularly organises Human Resource Development (HRD) and awareness programmes to enhance the knowledge, technical skills and capacity of personnel engaged in tasar seed production. In order to promote scientific seed production through public and private participation, the organisation focuses on development of trained human resources in the tasar sector. The BSM&TCs play a significant role in this endeavour. The organisation conducts need-based training programmes for different target groups including officers and officials of State Sericulture Departments, stakeholders, entrepreneurs, farmers and seed rearers. Both formal and informal training programmes are organised according to the requirements of the target groups. The training modules cover all aspects of tasar seed production including host plant cultivation and management, silkworm rearing, disease management, grainage operations and seed quality maintenance. Training Facilities Training programmes are conducted using modern audio-visual teaching aids at all training centres. The faculty members and scientists associated with the organisation are professionally qualified and experienced in handling specialised courses related to the tasar seed sector. The training centres are equipped with computers, internet facilities, rearing fields and grainages for practical exposure and hands-on training. The BSM&TCs also extend facilities to undergraduate and postgraduate students from different institutions and universities for conducting project work, internships and dissertations related to various aspects of tropical tasar seed technology and sericulture development. Skill Enhancement Programme The Skill Enhancement Programme of CSB-BTSSO aims to develop trained manpower in specialised areas such as microscopy, grainage operations and silkworm rearing practices. The programme imparts practical training to microscopists, grainage helpers and rearing trainees to improve their employability and technical competence. The programme follows a dual approach by simultaneously imparting skill-based training and utilising trained manpower in technical activities during grainage and rearing seasons at respective units. This initiative contributes significantly towards capacity building, employment generation and strengthening of the tropical tasar seed production system in the country. Contact details of CSB-BTSSO BTSSO Central Silk Board (Ministry of Textiles,Govt. of India),Pendari-via-P.O Bharni District Bilaspur – 495112 (Chhattisgarh)Ph: 07752-291735, 291736Fax: 07752 - 291735Email: btssobil.csb@nic.inOffice Timing:09:30 AM to 6:00 PM For more information visit https://www.btsso.org/index.php