Shillong, Dec 21: With thousand years of history, Eri silk or Ryndia of Meghalaya is an ethically sourced and organically produced product. Drawing focus to this rich heritage of the state, the Eri Corner and brand “Ryndia” was launched today by F. R. Kharkongor, Commissioner and Secretary, Department of Textiles in the premises of Meg-Tex, Garikhana, Shillong.

The Eri Corner which will showcase the brand “Ryndia” features a range of exhibits aimed at elevating the Ryndia to an item of luxury through the transformation of the brand from a cottage industry to a fashion and lifestyle concept.

Speaking on the occasion, F. R. Kharkongor said that the aim of the Eri Corner is to ensure visibility of Meghalaya’s Eri products through branding and also availability. Referring to the tagline of the brand From Thread to Trend, he stressed the need to generate a value chain for the entire process which includes farm to fiber and fiber to fabric. Stating the fact that Eri silk of Meghalaya is ethically sourced and organically produced and also that this sector is driven by women, are USPs which should be leveraged upon, he added.

Kharkongor further informed that the planning process is on to create silk villages which will comprise of Eri corners, design resource centres, etc, aimed at bettering efforts to develop the sericulture sector. Besides this the Ministry of Textile, Government of India has also sanctioned a Textile Tourism project in Nongpoh which will commence soon.

The programme was attended by senior officers and staff of the department.