Shillong, March 23: North-Eastern Hill University has launched initiatives to train farmers, ensuring seamless knowledge transfer and financial support for rural sericulture entrepreneurs.

A Capacity-Building Program-cum-Workshop was held on Eri Silk Production and Livelihood Improvement at the Conference Hall, DSO, Williamnagar under the leadership of Prof. P. S. Shukla, Vice-Chancellor, (NEHU), Shillong. The workshop was done in collaboration with the Department of Sericulture, East Garo Hills, Meghalaya, and ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management (ICAR-NIBSM), Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

The workshop focused on enhancing productivity, market accessibility, and value addition in Eri silk production, a key sector supporting rural livelihoods in Northeast India.

The event was graced by A.G. Momin, ADC, East Garo Hills, Meghalaya, as Chief Guest, who emphasized the role of government schemes such as the Silk Samagra Yojana in providing financial assistance, infrastructure, and training for silk farmers. Ms Vivien A. Sangma, Entrepreneur, delivered the welcome speech, followed by Ms S.G. Momin, Zonal Officer, Department of Sericulture, Garo Hills, who highlighted the growing demand for Eri silk. R. Sasikumar, Nodal Officer, Incubation Centre, NEHU Tura Campus, discussed scientific interventions, farmer training, and technology-driven market expansion.

The workshop covered Eri silk processing such as boiling, draining, yarn reeling, bobbin rolling, weaving, and dying. Over 100 farmers and entrepreneurs participated, receiving hands-on training and sericulture trays to support scientific rearing practices.

Dr R. Sasikumar highlighted that over 500 rural beneficiaries have been trained in scientific cocoon production in the past five years, facilitating direct trade linkages. “This has led to a 40% increase in Eri silk production in Meghalaya, ensuring better farmer earnings and reduced reliance on middlemen,” he said.

He further highlighted Meghalaya’s target to increase Eri silk production to 20 metric tons annually, generating projected earnings of Rs.150–200 crores through value-added products and global market expansion. He also emphasized the formation of farmer cooperatives to improve market access and branding for Meghalaya’s Eri silk. NEHU has also committed to training 250 farmers annually, ensuring continuous knowledge transfer and financial support for rural sericulture entrepreneurs.

Eri silk contributes over 90% of the Northeast’s total silk output, with Meghalaya accounting for 15.6%. The high participation of women and youth in Eri silk farming makes it a major source of rural employment. However, challenges such as low-scale production, lack of R&D support, and limited financial assistance persist. The workshop introduced scientific rearing techniques, disease control strategies, and improved supply chain models to address these issues.

To further strengthen the sector, the Incubation Centre, in collaboration with ICAR-NIBSM, Raipur, under the North East Hill Program (NEH), has launched multiple initiatives to expand Eri silk plantations, improve processing capabilities, and link farmers directly to textile industries. This initiative is implemented under the guidance of the Director, ICAR-NIBSM, and Dr. P. Mooventhan, Senior Scientist and Nodal Officer, ICAR-NIBSM, Raipur.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ICAR-NIBSM and NEHU (2024–2029) further strengthens this partnership, ensuring continued technical advancements and farmer support. The Incubation Centre, NEHU Tura Campus, has been actively engaged in capacity-building programs, hands-on training, and Agri-Horti and Apiculture support for farmer clusters.

There were discussions on future prospects, including large-scale Eri silk farming, intercropping models, and integrating silk production with digital market platforms. By fostering institutional collaborations and farmer-led entrepreneurship, the initiative seeks to establish Meghalaya as a leading hub for high-quality Eri silk production, driving sustainable livelihoods and regional economic growth.

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