Newsinc24 Team Assam accounts for nearly 90 per cent of India’s Muga silk production and around 65 per cent of Eri silk output, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday, underscoring the State’s dominant position in the country’s indigenous silk sector.In a post on social media platform, Sarma highlighted that Assam has emerged as the global hub of Muga and Eri silk, with the traditional industry playing a pivotal role in sustaining rural livelihoods and strengthening the agrarian economy.“Muga and Eri are not just textiles, they are symbols of our heritage and engines of our rural economy,” the Chief Minister said, reiterating that the silk sector remains a cornerstone of the State’s vision of #AtmanirbharAssam.
Backbone of Rural Economy
Assam’s silk industry, deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions, provides employment to thousands of farmers, rearers and weavers across rural and semi-urban regions. The Chief Minister noted that the sector significantly contributes to income generation and economic resilience at the grassroots level.Muga silk, known for its distinctive natural golden sheen and exceptional durability, is unique to Assam and enjoys a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, reinforcing its exclusivity and global appeal. Eri silk, on the other hand, is widely regarded for its eco-friendly and cruelty-free production process, making it increasingly attractive in sustainable fashion markets.
Sarma said the State government has rolled out a series of initiatives aimed at revitalising and modernising the silk sector. These measures focus on enhancing productivity, improving infrastructure, strengthening market linkages and ensuring sustainable incomes for stakeholders across the value chain.The initiatives include financial assistance to silk farmers, skill development and upgradation programmes for weavers, and promotion of Assam silk in national and international markets. The government is also working on modernising sericulture practices while preserving traditional weaving techniques to ensure artisans can cater to contemporary demand without compromising authenticity.Special emphasis has been placed on empowering women weavers, who form the backbone of the State’s silk industry. Dedicated schemes aim to enhance their access to credit, training and market opportunities, thereby strengthening women-led entrepreneurship in rural Assam.Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the Chief Minister said strengthening indigenous industries such as silk remains central to Assam’s broader economic strategy. The focus, he added, is on boosting exports, enhancing value addition and building a resilient rural economy rooted in the State’s traditional strengths.
