The sericulture sector in Assam’s Nalbari district, which once struggled with economic challenges due to an insecure seed sector and insufficient host food plantations, is now experiencing a revival through the Silk Samagra 2 scheme. This initiative, led by Nalbari DC Varnali Deka, aims to make the district self-sufficient in silkworm seed production while supporting farmers with eri-rearing houses and assistance in growing silkworm food plants.

A new silkworm seed production centre has been established at Naruwa village in the Barkhetri area. Under the Silk Samagra 2 programme, 50 selected farmers have been provided with eri-rearing houses and resources to cultivate silkworm food plants on their land. The administration has also created an end-to-end value chain using Khas land, VGR lands, and the banks of Amrit Sarovar for feeder leaves. This includes the provision of the Individual Beneficiary Scheme under MGNREGA, sale support, and opportunities for weavers to produce higher-end value-added products.

With the efforts and initiatives of the administration and active participation from stakeholders, Nalbari has emerged as a promising platform for eri rearers. The new programme enables district farmers to conduct 5 to 6 crops per year, increasing their income to Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 per crop. Additionally, with the department’s help in connecting with traders inside and outside the state, farmers no longer face delays in selling their products, thereby improving their bargaining power. The sericulture development model initiated in Nalbari has now become a role model for other districts.

Nalbari DC Deka said, “We aim to create an Aatma Nirbhar Nalbari with 1 lakh lakhpati baideus. Eri culture is a significant step in this direction.”

Chandan Talukdar, the district project manager of the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission in Nalbari, stated, “Eri cultivation is transforming lives by empowering women to shape their futures.”