Guwahati, 03 June (HS): Union Minister Pabitra Margherita has said that the Central Government has taken a landmark step to strengthen Assam’s traditional Muga silk industry through the launch of the ₹411-crore Mission Muga Silk “Senehjori”.

In his briefing on Wednesday Margherita said that the ambitious initiative, jointly implemented by the Assam Government and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), aims to modernize the state’s iconic golden silk sector and transform it into a globally competitive luxury textile ecosystem. The project is expected to benefit around 2.6 lakh weavers, silk rearers and entrepreneurs across Assam over the next three years.

Highlighting the key components of the mission, Margherita said five modern Muga reeling units will be established in Assam, while a dedicated Muga spun silk mill will be set up in Dhemaji to enhance value addition and strengthen the production chain. The project will also focus on regenerating 5,000 hectares of Som and Soalu plantations, which are vital for Muga silk cultivation.

He noted that the mission seeks to improve farmers’ incomes, increase Muga silk exports and enhance the value of Muga yarn in domestic and international markets. To support rural livelihoods, 1,180 Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) and 30 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) will be formed under the programme.

Margherita further stated that QR-based digital traceability and GI authentication systems will be introduced to safeguard the authenticity of Assam’s Muga silk and boost buyer confidence in global markets. A dedicated Muga Design Innovation Lab will also be established in collaboration with leading design institutions to align traditional Muga products with contemporary consumer preferences.

The cluster-based development programme will cover key Muga-producing regions, including Jorhat, Sivasagar, Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Majuli and Sualkuchi, with the objective of reinforcing Assam’s status as the home of the world’s finest Muga silk.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash