Shillong, Sept 25: In a significant recognition of excellence in the field of sericulture, Mahasankar Majumdar, a scientist from the Muga Eri Silkworm Seed Organization (MESSO) at the P4 Seed Station in Mendipathar, North Garo Hills, Meghalaya, has been awarded one of the Best Scientist Award by the Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles.
Majumdar’s work has particularly focused on the Muga seed sector, where he and his team have achieved remarkable success over the past five years, producing quality Muga basic seeds with over 100% success rates.
Currently, the P-4 unit is expanding its efforts by focusing on rearing Muga basic seed crops in the cooler climates of Kalimpong and Darjeeling in West Bengal.
Muga silkworm (Antheraea assamensis Helfer) is multivoltine, i.e. 5-6 times rearing of the silkworm can be done in a year.
This initiative aims to enhance crop quality for the northeastern states under the guidance of MESSO, Guwahati.
The award was presented during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations held on September 20, at the Karnataka State Open University Convocation Hall in Mysore.
The awards, which honor fifteen distinguished scientists across various categories, are aimed at recognizing the exceptional contributions of young researchers in the sericulture sector.
During the ceremony, attended by Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh and Union Minister of State Pabitra Margherita among other notable guests, Majumdar expressed his gratitude to the Member Secretary of the Central Silk Board, the Director of MESSO, his senior scientists, and the dedicated team in Mendipathar, as well as the local Muga farmers who contributed to this achievement.
