The Government of Assam is considering an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for eri, muga and mulberry (pat) silk cocoons to improve farmers’ income, revive sericulture and strengthen the State’s globally renowned silk industry.

Key Highlights

• The proposal has been spearheaded by the Assam Handloom, Textile and Sericulture Department, led by Minister Biswajit Daimary, during the inauguration of the North-East’s first Handloom Trade Centre at Dibrugarh.
• The government is exploring a revision of the MSP for eri, muga and mulberry (pat) silk cocoons, as the current prices do not adequately reflect the high market value of finished silk products.
• The objective is to ensure fair remuneration for sericulture farmers, encourage higher cocoon production, attract more farmers to sericulture, and strengthen the entire silk value chain.
• The proposed Handloom Trade Centre, developed with financial assistance from the North Eastern Council (NEC) in collaboration with the Government of Assam.
  • It aims to serve as an integrated platform for production, exhibition, branding, marketing and skill development for handloom products from the Northeast.
• The initiative complements the Swanirbhar Naari Scheme, which supports women weavers and promotes entrepreneurship in Assam’s traditional handloom sector.

Exam Hook – Prelims Question

Q. Which one of the following statements regarding Assam’s silk industry is correct?

(a) Muga silk is produced only in Assam and has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
(b) Eri silk is produced only in South India.
(c) Mulberry silk is unique to Northeast India.
(d) Muga silk is produced from mulberry silkworms only.

Answer: (a)

One-line Wrap

By revising the Minimum Support Price for silk cocoons, Assam aims to make sericulture more profitable, preserve its unique silk heritage and strengthen sustainable rural livelihoods.