The ‘Mera Resham Mera Abhiman’ campaign was successfully launched at Mothambil village, Raimana, Gossaigaon (Kokrajhar district). 

• The campaign was launched by the Central Silk Board (CSB), Muga Eri Silkworm Seed Organization (MESSO), P3 Unit-Kowabil, in collaboration with the Department of Sericulture (DoS), Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).
• The campaign aimed to promote Eri silk cultivation and women-led sericulture entrepreneurship, reaffirming the “Vocal for Local” spirit under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Objectives of the Campaign

• To promote Eri silk production as a sustainable rural livelihood in Bodoland.
• To empower women farmers through scientific rearing and market linkages.
• To bridge technology and tradition, improving cocoon yield and income.
• To create Model Sericulture Villages and link them with eco-tourism.
  

Model Sericulture Village – Mothambil

• Adopted by Department of Sericulture (DoS) as a Model Sericulture Village.
• Objective: To make it a Centre of Excellence in Eri silk rearing and weaving.
• Tourism Integration:
  • The village’s proximity to Raimona National Park offers potential for Seri-Tourism, integrating silk rearing with eco-tourism.
  • Inspired by successful models at Topatoli (Assam) and Mansabal (J&K).

About Eri Silk 

• Scientific name: Samia ricini
• Type: Spun silk (open-ended cocoon — moth leaves the cocoon before reeling).
• Common Name: Peace Silk or Ahimsa Silk (non-violent silk).
• Host Plants: Castor (Ricinus communis), Kesseru (Heteropanax fragrans), Tapioca (Manihot esculenta).
• Major States: Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh.
• Assam’s Contribution: ~65% of India’s total Eri silk output.
• Cultural Importance: Integral to Bodo and Assamese traditional attire.
  

Statement-based MCQ

Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Mera Resham Mera Abhiman’ campaign:

1. It was launched by the Central Silk Board in collaboration with the Department of Sericulture, BTC, to promote Eri silk cultivation.
   
2. The campaign was launched in Mothambil village near Raimona National Park in Assam.
   
3. Eri silk is also known as Peace Silk because it is extracted without killing the silkworm.
   
4. The main host plants of Eri silkworms are Castor, Kesseru, and Tapioca.
   

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (d) 

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