Mizoram Aims to Lead in Muga Silk Production with New Initiatives
Union Minister's Vision for Muga Silk in Mizoram
Union Minister Giriraj Singh at a local silk boutique in Mizoram during his two-day visit (Photo: @girirajsinghbjp/X)
Aizawl, May 5: Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh has unveiled an ambitious strategy to establish Mizoram as a frontrunner in Muga silk production.
During his two-day visit, Singh toured the Sericulture Training Institute (STI) located in Aizawl’s Zemabawk area and examined the silk reeling factory.
While addressing farmers and weavers at an event at STI, Singh emphasized that his visit was intended to strengthen connections with farmers rather than just convey official messages.
He pointed out Mizoram's distinctive advantage as the only state in the Northeast that cultivates all four major silk types: Muga, Eri, Mulberry, and Tasar.
Singh announced ongoing efforts to elevate the state to a leading position in Muga silk production, supported by a substantial financial package under the Silk Samagra 2.0 initiative.
Officials revealed that Mizoram has been allocated Rs 59.74 crore under the Silk Samagra 2.0 scheme from 2021-22 to January 2026 to enhance silk production.
He proposed the establishment of cluster-based farming, suggesting that four districts—Lunglei, Champhai, Saitual, and Siaha—be recognized as Muga-producing regions, while encouraging other districts to specialize in different silk varieties.
Singh stated that the Central Silk Board would provide support for these cluster-based projects to expedite farmers' development.
The Union Minister expressed confidence in Mizoram's favorable climate and soil for sericulture, noting a commendable growth rate of approximately 5.5 to 6 percent annually in the sector.
He highlighted that over 6,000 farmers and nearly 19,000 individuals across all 11 districts rely on sericulture as their main source of income.
Singh also advocated for structured competition among farmers, the establishment of performance benchmarks, and incentives for top achievers to foster progress.
Additionally, he mentioned plans to connect local weavers with institutions like the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) to improve design, branding, and market access.
State Sericulture Minister Lalthansanga, who accompanied Singh, acknowledged the advantages of central schemes and emphasized the urgent need for infrastructure improvements in the sericulture sector.
Lalthansanga also requested ongoing support from the Centre, noting that a processing unit has been established under Silk Samagra 2.0, and that cocoons produced in Mizoram are being marketed beyond state borders. He highlighted that sericulture is a key focus of the state’s flagship program, Bana Kaih.