Mission Senehjori Seeks to Take Assam’s Muga Silk from Farm Gate to Global Markets

NEW DELHI-  In a major push to modernize and expand Assam’s globally renowned Muga Silk sector, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday launched Mission Muga Silk ‘Senehjori’, a ₹411-crore initiative expected to benefit more than 2.5 lakh weavers, rearers, farmers, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders associated with the traditional industry.

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The mission was launched virtually during a programme held at Sanchar Bhawan in New Delhi. The event was attended by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for DoNER Sukanta Majumdar, senior government officials, and representatives of the Muga Silk sector.

Describing the initiative as a transformative intervention for Assam’s iconic “golden thread,” Scindia said the project aims to improve productivity, quality, value addition and market access while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for those engaged in the sector.

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Highlighting the Centre’s broader development vision for the Northeast, Scindia said the region’s eight states—collectively referred to as Ashtalakshmi—have been identified according to their unique strengths and economic potential. Under this framework, Assam has been recognized for its internationally acclaimed Muga Silk, while other northeastern states have been associated with sectors such as coffee, pineapple, organic farming, kiwi, ginger and polo.

The project will involve collaboration among 11 key stakeholders, including the Ministry of DoNER, Government of Assam, Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of Cooperation, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and representatives from weaving and rearing communities.

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As part of the initiative, five modern reeling units will be established in Jorhat, Sivasagar, Sualkuchi, Majuli and Lakhimpur, while a dedicated Muga spun silk unit will be set up in Dhemaji to strengthen processing capacity and value addition within the sector.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described Muga Silk as a symbol of Assam’s cultural heritage and identity. He said the mission, launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, would help unlock the sector’s vast economic potential while preserving its traditional roots.

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Sarma stated that the initiative is designed not only to enhance production but also to strengthen the livelihoods of farmers and weavers who form the backbone of the Muga Silk ecosystem. Under the mission, 1,180 Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) and 30 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) will be created to improve coordination, strengthen value chains and enhance market opportunities for producers.

A significant feature of the mission will be the introduction of digital traceability systems and GI authentication mechanisms, enabling buyers to verify the authenticity of Muga Silk products. Officials believe this will boost consumer confidence and strengthen access to premium domestic and international markets.

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The Chief Minister noted that the Geographical Indication (GI) status accorded to Muga Silk has already enhanced its identity and visibility. He expressed confidence that Mission Senehjori would significantly improve both the quality and quantity of production while creating greater economic opportunities for communities dependent on the traditional craft.

The programme also featured interactions with weavers, rearers, entrepreneurs, investors and industry representatives from different districts of Assam. A documentary highlighting the cultural significance and heritage of Muga Silk was screened during the event.

Senior officials present included DoNER Secretary Sanjay Jaju, Additional Chief Secretary Dr. K.K. Dwivedi, Resident Commissioner Kavitha Padmanabhan, and other government representatives. Assam Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota and senior state officials joined the programme virtually.

Officials said Mission Senehjori is expected to play a crucial role in modernizing the Muga Silk value chain, improving incomes, expanding market opportunities and reinforcing Assam’s position as the global hub of the unique golden silk.