From the MBR Internship Program

From the Blue Community Mayurbhanj Biological Research, India:

Excited to share details about a fantastic 35-day internship and community engagement program! It’s for graduate Zoology and Botany students, facilitated by Mayurbhanj Biological Research (MBR).

The programme is being guided under the leadership of Samir Kumar Sahu, Executive Director of MBR and supported by Abhay Dan Trust, aiming to connect scientific learning with sustainable rural development and field-based research practices.

This unique internship initiative has been designed to provide hands-on exposure in mulberry cultivation, agroforestry systems, sericulture development, biodiversity conservation, and climate-resilient agriculture. Students are receiving practical training directly from field experts and researchers through interactive sessions, field visits, scientific observations, and community engagement activities.

For Zoology Students:

Title: “Assessment of Mulberry Leaf Yield and Its Impact on Sericulture Development.”

Students are studying the relationship between mulberry leaf productivity and sustainable silkworm rearing practices. The internship provides practical understanding of silkworm nutrition, mulberry-based sericulture systems, leaf quality assessment, pest and disease management, and the socioeconomic importance of sericulture in rural livelihoods. Through scientific field surveys and data collection, students are learning how improved mulberry cultivation directly contributes to silk productivity and farmer income enhancement.

For Botany Students:

Title : “Carbon Sequestration Potential of Mulberry-Based Agroforestry Systems.’

Botany students are exploring the ecological and environmental importance of mulberry-based agroforestry models in climate change mitigation. The study focuses on biomass accumulation, carbon storage capacity, soil improvement, biodiversity enhancement, and sustainable land-use systems. Students are gaining knowledge on how agroforestry practices contribute to environmental sustainability while supporting rural economies and ecological resilience.

During the internship, MBR has provided advanced practical training on:
✔️ Mulberry Garden Management
✔️ High-yield C-2038 Hybrid Mulberry Plant Technology
✔️ Scientific Pest and Disease Control Measures
✔️ Tukra Disease Identification and Management
✔️ Sustainable Organic Cultivation Practices
✔️ Community-Based Agricultural Extension Activities

The programme also emphasizes experiential learning, rural innovation, and scientific skill development under the framework of community engagement and sustainable agriculture. Students are actively interacting with farmers, researchers, and local communities to understand real-world challenges and develop practical scientific solutions.

Certification: All participating students will receive an official Internship & Community Engagement Certificate jointly facilitated by MBR and collaborating institutions upon successful completion of the 35-day programme, recognizing their field research, practical training, and community participation.

This internship stands as an inspiring example of integrating education, research, sustainability, and community empowerment for future environmental and agricultural leadership.