Vanya Resham Krishi Mela highlights Assam’s silk potential, push for fair pricing and global markets

At a time when Assam’s indigenous silk sector is gaining renewed national and international attention, the Vanya Resham Krishi Mela held at Boko on Tuesday, February 10 spotlighted the state’s vast sericulture potential, the growing global demand for muga silk, and concrete policy measures aimed at protecting farmers from market exploitation.

Organised by the Regional Sericultural Research Station (RSRS) under the Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, the day-long event brought together farmers, scientists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to promote sustainable sericulture practices and value addition in Assam’s traditional silk economy.

The mela was inaugurated by Tankeswar Rabha, Chief Executive Member of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC), Dudhnoi, who attended as the chief guest. Among the distinguished guests were Kajori Rajkhowa, ACS, Secretary HTS-cum-Director of Sericulture, Assam; Dr Tapan Dutta, Principal of Jawaharlal Nehru College, Boko; Dr M Maheswari, Director, CSB-MESSO, Guwahati; B. B. Singha, retired Scientist-D of the Central Silk Board; and RHAC Executive Member Aditya Rabha. The programme was presided over by Dr Kartik Neog, Director, CSB-CMER & TI, Lahdoigarh.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Tapan Dutta emphasised the need to move beyond the sale of raw cocoons and focus on weaving, processing, and product diversification to maximise income. He said silk-based entrepreneurship—ranging from fabrics to finished lifestyle products—could significantly enhance rural livelihoods and strengthen community-level economic resilience.

The event witnessed participation from nearly 250 muga and eri rearers from Kamrup and Goalpara districts, reflecting the region’s deep-rooted engagement with traditional sericulture.

During the programme, outstanding farmers were honoured for their contributions to the sector. Fonola Marak received the Best Farmer Award in the Eri Pre-Cocoon segment, while Bharat Rabha was recognised for excellence in the Muga Pre-Cocoon segment. Narmohan Das was awarded for his distinguished performance in the Post-Cocoon segment. Presenting the awards, the chief guest lauded the farmers’ commitment and described them as the backbone of Assam’s silk economy.

Highlighting market opportunities, Narmohan Das noted that Japan continues to be the largest buyer of Assam’s muga silk. He said he has participated in exhibitions across seven countries and has successfully exported eri and muga products to multiple international markets. Das also announced his participation in an upcoming international exhibition in Mexico later this year.

RHAC Executive Member Aditya Rabha informed that several welfare schemes have been introduced to promote eri and muga cultivation, including one-time financial assistance, housing support for rearing activities, and the supply of essential materials to farmers.

Speaking on policy and structural challenges, Tankeswar Rabha pointed out that nearly 65 percent of Assam’s eri silk production originates from Kamrup, Goalpara, and parts of Bodoland, while muga silk is largely produced along the Assam–Meghalaya border due to favourable ecological conditions. He raised concerns over policy gaps in eri and muga cultivation and trade, urging cultivators to work towards self-reliance through effective use of government schemes and sustained individual effort.

Rabha also highlighted the issue of middlemen exploitation, which often forces farmers to abandon sericulture midway. To address this, the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council has initiated a scheme in collaboration with the government to ensure fair pricing for eri and muga silk and eliminate intermediaries, thereby safeguarding the interests of cultivators.

The mela concluded with a post-lunch technical session focusing on innovations in sericulture, sustainable practices, and future market strategies. The Vanya Resham Krishi Mela is expected to strengthen coordination among farmers, researchers, and policymakers while reinforcing Assam’s position as a global hub for indigenous silk.