Silk Samagra 2 scheme revitalises sericulture sector in Nalbari dist

Guwahati: Sericulture sector in Assam’s Nalbari district, once struggled with economic issues due to a lack of a secure and integrated seed sector and insufficient host food plantations, is experiencing a revival through the Silk Samagra 2 scheme. Led by Nalbari DC Varnali Deka, this initiative 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. Additionally, a 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 own 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 interested weavers to produce higher-end value-added products.With 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. Furthermore, 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, “Our aim is to create an Aatma Nirbhar Nalbari with 1 lakh lakhpati baideus. Eri culture is a significant step in this direction.”Sewali Das from Naruwa village was a selected eri seed producer under the scheme. She received a seed production house, equipment such as trays, racks, sprayers, and tarpaulins, along with Rs 50,000 to purchase eri seed cocoons from her locality. Once earning just Rs 10,000 annually from rearing and selling cocoons, she now earns over lakhs per year.Chandan Talukdar, the district project manager of the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission in Nalbari, said, “Eri cultivation is transforming lives by empowering women to shape their own futures.”Another beneficiary, Daibaki Das, a resident of Naruwa village, successfully conducted six crops during the 2022-2023 year and earned approximately Rs 59,300 from selling eri cocoons and pupae. By July, she had completed three rearing activities, producing 22,500 eri cocoons.Similarly, Boroda Das from Naruwa village now has her own garden and a rearing house, eliminating the need to collect leaves externally.
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