The Centre has launched Mission Muga Silk Senehjori, a ₹411-crore initiative aimed at transforming Assam’s iconic Muga silk industry into a globally competitive luxury textile ecosystem while improving the livelihoods of nearly 2.6 lakh weavers, rearers and entrepreneurs associated with the sector.
The mission was launched by Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma virtually from Delhi.
According to an official statement, the cluster-based initiative seeks to strengthen the entire Muga silk value chain, from host-plant cultivation and silkworm seed production to reeling, weaving, branding, export promotion, digital traceability and tourism development.
Muga silk, known as the world’s only naturally golden silk, is Assam’s most prized textile heritage and India’s first Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged silk. The industry supports nearly 2.6 lakh rearer and weaver families across the state.
Despite its unique status and international recognition, the sector has remained under-monetised for years. Mission Senehjori aims to address this challenge by creating a premium, traceable and export-oriented Muga silk economy capable of competing in global luxury textile markets.
The mission will follow a cluster-based development model covering major Muga-producing districts, including Jorhat, Sivasagar, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Majuli and Sualkuchi.
Key interventions include strengthening host-plant ecology, establishing modern reeling infrastructure, promoting Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), creating common facility centres, ensuring GI authentication and expanding access to international markets under the unified brand identity “Senehjori”.
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Addressing the launch event, Scindia said the Centre remained committed to ensuring that the Northeast’s unique products receive global recognition while generating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. He described Muga silk as more than a textile product, calling it a cultural and civilisational heritage asset of India.
The project is being anchored by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region in collaboration with the Assam government, the Central Silk Board, the Ministry of Textiles and other organisations.
The mission envisages investments ranging from ₹396 crore to ₹411 crore over three years, including a contribution of ₹136 crore to ₹151 crore from the DoNER Ministry. It also aims to position Assam as a leading destination for silk-based cultural and experiential tourism.
Sarma said the initiative would provide a transformative boost to Muga silk, a symbol of Assam’s heritage and pride, while unlocking significant economic opportunities for farmers and weavers.
As part of the programme, 1,180 Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) and 30 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) will be established to strengthen market linkages and enhance stakeholder incomes.
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