🏛️ Description
The Basic Tasar Silkworm Seed Organisation (BTSSO) is an apex body functioning under the Central Silk Board of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. It plays a critical role in producing, maintaining, and supplying high-quality nucleus and basic seed stock of Tasar silkworms (Antheraea mylitta D) to ensure the sustained growth of India’s Tasar sericulture sector.
BTSSO is responsible for conserving silkworm genetic resources, improving seed productivity, ensuring disease-free silkworm breeding, and providing technical support to regional seed centres and farmers engaged in Tasar silk cultivation. It bridges the gap between research institutions and field-level seed production through scientific practices and capacity building.
🎯 Mandate
- Production, maintenance, and supply of nucleus and basic Tasar silkworm seeds.
- Maintain and conserve genetic diversity of Tasar silkworms in India.
- Ensure disease-free and quality seed stock for commercial seed multiplication units.
- Conduct training, research, and technical guidance for seed producers and farmers.
- Collaborate with research institutes for seed technology innovation and silkworm breeding improvement.
- Monitor and standardize the seed multiplication chain across Tasar-producing states.
🌿 Key Functions & Activities
- Maintain germplasm banks of Tasar silkworm breeds for breeding and research.
- Implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for disease-free seed production.
- Coordinate with State Sericulture Departments and NGOs to strengthen the seed supply chain.
- Support tribal and rural livelihoods by ensuring consistent Tasar cocoon productivity.
- Participate in the Silk Samagra integrated sericulture development scheme of the Ministry of Textiles.
🌍 Focus Areas
- Strengthening seed infrastructure for sustainable Tasar production.
- Genetic resource conservation and breed improvement.
- Empowering tribal and forest-dwelling communities through Tasar-based livelihoods.
- Adoption of modern biotechnological tools for disease control and productivity enhancement.
- Capacity building and entrepreneurship in silkworm seed production and marketing.
🧵 Related Organisations
- Central Silk Board (CSB): Apex body for sericulture development — csb.gov.in
- Central Tasar Research & Training Institute (CTRTI): Research and development in Tasar sericulture — csb.gov.in
- Regional Sericulture Offices: Technical guidance and implementation at state levels.
🌐 Official Website
🔗 https://csb.gov.in
(Under the Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles)
🏢 Offices & Contacts
Headquarters:
Basic Tasar Silkworm Seed Organisation (BTSSO)
Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles,
P.O. Piska-Nagri, Ranchi – 835303, Jharkhand, India
Telephone: +91-651-2261211 / 2261120
Email: dir.btssoranchi@csb.gov.in
Website: csb.gov.in
Central Tasar Silkworm Seed Station (CTSSS): Production and maintenance of nucleus seed stock.
Regional Tasar Basic Seed Stations (RTBSS): Located across Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal for area-specific seed multiplication.
Seed Technology Laboratory: Conducts disease testing and quality control of seed lots.
Training & Extension Units: Capacity building and technical workshops for sericulture farmers.
Shri Giriraj Singh (born 8 September 1952 in Bihar) is a senior BJP leader and the current Union Minister of Textiles (since June 2024). A seasoned politician, he earlier served as Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Animal Husbandry, and MSMEs, after a long stint in Bihar politics. Known for his outspoken style, Singh has positioned himself as a strong advocate of self-reliance, pushing for reduced textile imports and greater exports. His current focus is on boosting India’s handloom sector, modernizing supply chains, and creating jobs in one of the country’s most employment-rich industries.
Shri Giriraj Singh, Minister of Textiles | email – minister[dot]textiles[at]gov[dot]in | Landline : 011-23060582, ext – 387
Smt. Neelam Shami Rao is a senior IAS officer currently serving as the Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. With decades of administrative experience, she has held key leadership roles in governance, policy implementation, and institutional reforms. Known for her efficient, forward-looking approach, she is now focused on strengthening India’s textile sector, driving initiatives to boost exports, modernize traditional crafts, support handloom weavers, and position India as a global leader in sustainable and competitive textile manufacturing.
Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary | email – secy-textiles[at]nic[dot]in | Landline : 011-23061769, ext – 203
Shri Giriraj Singh (born 8 September 1952 in Bihar) is a senior BJP leader and the current Union Minister of Textiles (since June 2024). A seasoned politician, he earlier served as Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Animal Husbandry, and MSMEs, after a long stint in Bihar politics. Known for his outspoken style, Singh has positioned himself as a strong advocate of self-reliance, pushing for reduced textile imports and greater exports. His current focus is on boosting India’s handloom sector, modernizing supply chains, and creating jobs in one of the country’s most employment-rich industries.
Shri Giriraj Singh, Minister of Textiles | email – minister[dot]textiles[at]gov[dot]in | Landline : 011-23060582, ext – 387