Aizawl, May 5, 2026 – Union Minister for Textiles Giriraj Singh has outlined ambitious plans to position Mizoram as a national leader in Muga silk production, leveraging the state’s unique sericulture potential during a two-day visit to Aizawl.
The minister arrived in the Mizoram capital on May 4 and engaged extensively with the state’s silk ecosystem. He visited the Sericulture Training Institute (STI) at Zemabawk, participated in a plantation drive of Som trees — the primary host plant for Muga silkworms — inspected a silk reeling factory, and held detailed interactions with farmers, weavers, and entrepreneurs.
Mizoram stands out as the only state in India’s Northeast capable of producing all four major silk varieties: Muga, Eri, Mulberry, and Tasar. Its favourable climate and soil conditions make it particularly well-suited for sericulture activities. Singh emphasised a focused cluster-based strategy to scale up production, proposing that Lunglei, Champhai, Saitual, and Siaha be developed as dedicated “Muga districts,” while other districts concentrate on complementary silk varieties. The Central Silk Board is expected to provide technical and infrastructural support to these clusters.
Significant central funding has been mobilised under the Silk Samagra 2.0 scheme to strengthen the sector. Recent allocations, including reports of ₹46.79 crore and cumulative support reaching ₹59.74 crore between 2021–22 and early 2026, aim to enhance infrastructure, improve productivity, and generate sustainable livelihoods.
Sericulture already supports over 6,000 farmers and nearly 19,000 people across Mizoram’s 11 districts, with the sector recording steady annual growth of 5.5–6 per cent. The minister announced additional measures such as structured competitions, performance benchmarks, and incentives for top-performing farmers to further boost output and quality.
To enhance marketability, collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) has been planned for improved design interventions, branding, and better access to domestic and international markets for Mizoram’s weavers and entrepreneurs.
State Sericulture Minister Lalthansanga, who accompanied the Union Minister, welcomed the central government’s initiatives. He highlighted the state’s existing processing units and the successful marketing of Mizoram cocoons beyond state borders. Sericulture remains a key focus under Mizoram’s ‘Bana Kaih’ handholding scheme.
Muga silk, prized for its distinctive golden sheen, exceptional durability, and cultural importance — particularly in neighbouring Assam — commands a premium in the market. Expanding its production base in Mizoram is expected to create significant rural employment, enhance exports, and contribute to the state’s economic growth while preserving traditional knowledge and practices in sericulture.
The initiative forms part of the Union Government’s broader push to develop the handloom and sericulture sectors across India’s Northeastern region, aiming to unlock economic opportunities in remote and hilly terrains.
About The Author
