Aizawl, May 4, 2026: Union Minister for Textiles Giriraj Singh on Monday announced a financial package of ₹46.79 crore under the Silk Samagra 2.0 scheme for the development of the sericulture sector in Mizoram. The announcement was made during his visit to the Sericulture Training Institute (STI) at Zemabawk, where he reviewed ongoing initiatives and interacted with farmers, weavers, entrepreneurs, and officials associated with the industry.
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| Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh addressing a gathering during his visit to Mizoram, highlighting initiatives to boost the sericulture sector under Silk Samagra 2.0. (Image: DIPR Mizoram) |
The funding is aimed at strengthening sericulture infrastructure, increasing silk production, improving value addition, and enhancing livelihood opportunities for thousands of people dependent on the sector across the state. The Union Minister said the assistance reflects the Central Government’s commitment to supporting traditional industries and promoting sustainable rural employment.
Addressing stakeholders, Singh highlighted Mizoram’s unique advantage in the sericulture sector, noting that it is among the few regions in India capable of producing all four major varieties of silk—Muga, Eri, Mulberry, and Tasar. He said this diversity provides immense potential for the state to emerge as a significant silk-producing hub and contribute substantially to the country’s textile economy.
During his visit, the Minister participated in a Som tree plantation drive, an important activity for the promotion of Muga silk cultivation. Som trees serve as the primary host plant for Muga silkworms and are essential for expanding production. The plantation programme was attended by Mizoram Sericulture Minister Lalthansanga, officials of the Central Silk Board, and representatives of the Sericulture Department.
Singh also inspected the Silk Reeling Factory at the Sericulture Training Institute and reviewed various activities being undertaken to improve silk processing and production capabilities. Officials briefed him on the progress of ongoing projects and the challenges faced by farmers and entrepreneurs involved in the sector.
Interacting with sericulture farmers, weavers, and business owners, the Union Minister proposed adopting a cluster-based development model to accelerate growth in the industry. He suggested that districts such as Lunglei, Champhai, Saitual, and Siaha could be developed as specialised Muga silk clusters, enabling focused investment, better infrastructure, and improved marketing opportunities.
According to Singh, approximately 6,000 farmers and nearly 19,000 individuals in Mizoram currently depend on sericulture and allied activities for their livelihoods. Strengthening the sector, he said, would not only increase income generation but also create additional employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas.
The Minister emphasized the importance of innovation, technology, and collaboration in enhancing the competitiveness of Mizoram’s silk products. He encouraged partnerships with institutions such as the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) to improve product design, branding, marketing, and value addition. Such collaborations, he noted, could help local silk products gain wider recognition in national and international markets.
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Speaking at the programme, Sericulture Minister Lalthansanga welcomed the financial assistance announced by the Centre and expressed appreciation for the continued support being extended to the state. He stated that while Mizoram possesses considerable potential in sericulture, further investments in infrastructure, training, and technology are necessary to fully realise the sector’s capabilities.
Officials said the ₹46.79 crore package is expected to significantly strengthen Mizoram’s sericulture ecosystem and contribute to long-term economic development. The initiative is anticipated to improve production capacity, generate employment, and encourage more farmers and entrepreneurs to participate in silk cultivation and processing activities.
The announcement marks a major boost for Mizoram’s sericulture industry and reinforces the state’s position as an important centre for silk production in the Northeast region.
