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Transgenic silkworms to be reared at Horsley Hills’
CHITTOOR, December 24, 2014
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Andhra Pradesh State Sericulture Research and Development Institute Director Dr. P.J. Raju making inspections at Horsley Hills on Tuesday



The Andhra Pradesh State Sericulture Research and Development Institute (APSSRDI) with the technical collaboration of the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, has developed transgenic silkworms, which is first of its kind in India. Horsley Hills in Madanapalle division of Chittoor district is being identified as the rearing station for the silkworms during summer season.

Speaking to The Hindu , APSSRDI Director, Dr P.J. Raju, who inspected the ground conditions at Horsley Hills on Tuesday for the purpose of research and development activities in sericulture and rearing of silkworms, said that the project was mooted here based on the suggestion of Japanese scientist Prof. Yamaguchi, during his visit to the hill station last year.

“The salubrious climate at Horsley Hills is best suited for our research activities, which will take off very shortly. As the silkworms are not edible, the BT (biotechnology) regulatory procedures are freely used in research and development modules. The Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, is funding this project. The silkworms will be brought to the hill station from Hindupur during summer,” Dr Raju said.

Highlight of the APSSRDI activities here included upgradation of the existing museum, creating of new buildings and infrastructure for the Sericulture Department. “The museum will host an integrated approach to sericulture, displaying various aspects from soil to silk. The museum will also be a big attraction to the tourists coming here,” Dr Raju said. Joint Director (Sericulture), Dr B.J. Sharma, and field level officers were also present during the inspections.




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