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Assam's Silk Powerhouse Gets Major Boost
8 Oct
Summary
- New facility to produce 3 million disease-free silkworm layings annually.
- Assam leads India with 79% muga and 74% eri silk production.
- Initiatives aim to boost silk exports and farmer livelihoods.
A newly upgraded facility in Assam, set up under the North-East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS), is poised to significantly enhance the region's sericulture sector. This facility boasts an annual capacity of 3 million disease-free layings (DFLs) of mulberry hybrid seed and can preserve up to 10 million DFLs, ensuring a consistent supply of quality silkworm seed. The inauguration, attended by local dignitaries and central government officials, marks a crucial step in strengthening the sericulture value chain.
Assam's critical role in India's silk production is highlighted by its 79% share of muga silk and 74% of eri silk. In the period of April-July 2026-27, the state produced 9 tonnes of mulberry, 2,131 tonnes of eri, and 73 tonnes of muga silk. These figures underscore the necessity of reinforcing the sericulture ecosystem in Assam and the broader North-Eastern Region.
Further initiatives, such as Mission Senehjori, are designed to transform muga silk into a premium global product. The goal is to foster entrepreneurship, enhance farmer productivity, and create rural livelihoods, contributing to an 'Aatmanirbhar North-East' and supporting the vision of 'Viksit Bharat'. The event also included an interactive meet and felicitations for progressive farmers.
The Ministry of Textiles emphasizes that this development is part of the Central Silk Board's commitment to improving the silkworm seed production ecosystem. By providing quality seed, modern infrastructure, and opportunities for improved livelihoods, the initiative aims to empower sericulture farmers and stakeholders in Assam and the North-Eastern Region.
