RONO HILLS, Apr 11: As part of the Skill Enhancement Course (SEC), the Department of Zoology, Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) organized an educational field trip to the Sericulture Training-cum-Production Centre, Laptap, Papum Pare district today.
The visit aimed to provide practical exposure and hands-on learning opportunities to BSc Zoology 2nd semester students in the field of sericulture.
A total of 19 students participated in the field trip, which was conducted under the guidance and supervision of Teaching Assistants Dr Hage Assung, Dr Krishnakshi Misra, Dr Abprez T Kimsing, and Dr Jacob Ngukir. The visit proved to be highly informative and enriching, offering insights into various aspects of silk production and management.
During the visit, students were introduced to the fundamental techniques of silkworm rearing, including feeding practices, environmental requirements, and disease management. They also observed the process of mountage, where silkworms spin cocoons, and gained knowledge about the cultivation of host plants such as mulberry, som, and kesaru trees, which are essential for different types of silkworms.
The students had the opportunity to study the functioning of reeling machines used for extracting silk from cocoons. They were also introduced to different varieties of silkworm cocoons, particularly Muga and Eri, which are unique to the region and hold significant economic value. The session further highlighted the market potential of sericulture and its role in sustainable livelihood generation.
An interactive and technical session was conducted by Nabam Laj, Farm Manager-cum-Supervisor of the centre. His detailed explanations and practical demonstrations enhanced the students’ understanding of sericulture practices and industry applications.
The field trip was a successful academic endeavour, significantly enhancing the practical knowledge and field exposure of the students in the domain of sericulture.