The SRDI attuned its research and development programs towards the nd regional and national concerns of the country. These are poverty alleviation, expansion of employment opportunities and increased labor productivity, the attainment of higher and sustainable growth and level of development and the improvement of the socio economic conditions of the people in the society. This makes them responsible, self-sufficient and self-reliant Filipinos of today. Its research, development and extension programs are geared towards making sericulture as an agro-based industry to spur economic growth in the country.
The research programs endeavor to solve the most pressing needs/problems the sericulture farmers face today. The researches seeks to increase quality leaf production, increase cocoon yield and quality, improve quality of silk and silk products as well as the manufacture of sericulture tools and implements and the conduct of socio-economic researches.
The research program of the institute works on four equally important programs to with:
Mulberry Research and Development
The program focuses on the collection of different indigenous and exotic varieties/species of mulberry found locally or internationally and its evaluation and maintenance in a germplasm bank both in the field. From the bank, these varieties will be evaluated, documented and improved through different crop improvement/breeding techniques to include selection of open pollinated varieties. Further, the unit works on cultural management practices that reduces or controls the occurrence of pest and diseases. The development of suitable sericulture-based farming systems are carried out to integrate other crops, animals and low cost management practices while producing quality mulberry leaves for year-round cocoon production.
Silkworm Research and Development
The Silkworm R and D Program centers on the development of pure lines and hybrids through different breeding techniques, the breeding of silkworm for resistance to diseases and temperature, development of silkworm rearing technology, silkworm pest management strategies and silkworm egg production techniques.
The Breeding unit maintains germ plasm and continuously breeds bivoltine and multi-voltine races producing two, three and four way crosses. Likewise, the unit works on development of Sex Linked Breeds aimed at facilitating egg production activities.
The unit also verifies production technologies developed by the Institute at farmers fields.
Post Cocoon Research and Development
The post cocoon R and D is mandated to develop/produce quality silk and silk allied products that have a comparative advantage with the leading silk producing countries.
It focuses on development of new designs in weaving as in suk-suk designing that is gaining momentum in the market and development of silk products and by-products as raw silk, thrown silk, dupion silk that is woven for fabrics the sewn into different product lines and fashion accessories.
The main concern is on cocoon processing, raw silk processing, wet silk processing, silk weaving and silk finishing.
Further, the institute develops farm tools and equipment such as leaf cutting machine, pirning machine, solar dryers to increase efficiency and effectivity in sericulture endeavor. It also improves the weaving handloom machines and warping machines and developed an epprovette for cocoon quality assessment.
The Socio- economics Research and Development
The socio-economics R and D gathers benchmark information, data bases, conducts marketing, applied rural sociology and economic studies needed for policy formulation/ decision making in the improvement of sericulture industry in the country. It also assist students in the conduct of surveys regarding sericulture industry.
It continuously updates the cost and return analysis of all products developed by the Institute.