NEWS DESK REPORT: In a major initiative aimed at transforming Assam’s iconic Muga Silk industry, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday virtually launched Mission Muga Silk ‘Senehjori’, a Rs 411-crore project designed to empower more than 2.5 lakh weavers, rearers and entrepreneurs associated with Muga silk production in Assam.
The launch event held at Sanchar Bhawan in the national capital, was attended by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita and Minister of State for DoNER Sukanta Majumdar, among others.
Describing the initiative as a transformative step for Assam’s famed ‘golden thread’, Scindia said the mission would enhance value addition, improve production and quality, economically empower stakeholders and position Muga silk competitively in global markets.
“This initiative is to take Muga Silk from farm gate to foreign shore,” Scindia said while launching the ambitious three-year project, which will be implemented from 2026 to 2028.
Highlighting the Centre’s vision for the Northeast, Scindia said the eight states of the region, collectively known as ‘Ashtalakshmi’, have been identified based on their unique strengths and potential. While Nagaland has been identified for coffee, Tripura for pineapple, Sikkim for organic farming, Arunachal Pradesh for kiwi, Mizoram for organic ginger and Manipur for polo, Assam has been recognised for its world-renowned Muga Silk.
The Union Minister noted that the mission involves the collaboration of 11 stakeholders, including the Ministry of DoNER, Government of Assam, Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of Cooperation, APEDA, ICAR, DRDO and representatives of the weaving and rearing communities.
As part of the project, five modern reeling units will be established at Jorhat, Sivasagar, Sualkuchi, Majuli and Lakhimpur. A dedicated Muga spun silk unit will also be set up at Dhemaji to strengthen processing and value-addition capabilities.
Speaking on the occasion, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that Muga Silk, a symbol of Assam’s heritage and pride, would receive a major boost through the transformative initiative launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for DoNER Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Expressing confidence in the project’s potential, Sarma said the mission would unlock the vast economic opportunities associated with the golden thread and help realise the sector’s untapped potential.
He said the mission seeks to protect and empower the people behind the craft, particularly the farmers and weavers who form the backbone of the Muga silk ecosystem. Under the initiative, 1,180 Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) and 30 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) will be formed to strengthen the value chain and enhance the livelihoods of stakeholders engaged in Muga Silk production.
The Chief Minister further said that digital traceability and robust GI authentication mechanisms would enable global buyers to verify the authenticity of Assam’s Muga products, thereby enhancing consumer confidence and expanding international market access.
Describing Mission Senehjori as a reflection of the positive outcomes of the ‘Double Engine Government’ led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sarma said the initiative would provide greater opportunities to those engaged in the traditional craft while taking Assam’s unique identity and heritage to global markets.
Sarma said the Geographical Indication (GI) tag accorded to Muga Silk has already given the product a distinct identity and expressed confidence that the mission would bring about a sea change in both the quality and quantity of production.
Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita and Minister of State for DoNER Sukanta Majumdar also addressed the gathering. The programme connected virtually with weavers, rearers and stakeholders from various districts of Assam, along with representatives from different ministries and departments.
Senior officials present included DoNER Secretary Sanjay Jaju, Additional Chief Secretary to the Assam Chief Minister Dr K.K. Dwivedi, Resident Commissioner of Assam Bhawan Kavitha Padmanabhan and other government representatives. Assam Chief Secretary Dr Ravi Kota and senior state officials joined the event virtually.
The programme also featured interactions with weavers, rearers, entrepreneurs, investors and industry representatives. A short film showcasing the heritage and significance of Assam’s Muga silk was screened during the launch ceremony.
The Mission ‘Senehjori’ is expected to play a crucial role in modernising the Muga Silk value chain and strengthening Assam’s position as the global hub of the unique golden silk.
