Guwahati, June 3: The Centre unveiled Mission Muga Silk Senehjori, an ambitious initiative with an investment of around Rs 411 crore aimed at revitalising Assam’s famed Muga silk sector and positioning it as a globally recognised luxury textile brand. The programme is expected to benefit nearly 2.6 lakh weavers, rearers and entrepreneurs associated with the production of the state’s iconic golden silk.
The mission was launched virtually by Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Designed as a comprehensive, cluster-based development programme, the initiative seeks to strengthen every stage of the Muga silk ecosystem, from host-plant cultivation and silkworm seed production to weaving, branding, exports, digital traceability and tourism promotion.
Recognised as the world’s only naturally golden silk, Muga silk remains one of Assam’s most valuable cultural assets and holds the distinction of being India’s first Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged silk. Despite its unique heritage and international appeal, the sector has struggled to realise its full economic potential. Mission Senehjori aims to address this gap by creating a premium, traceable and export-focused value chain capable of competing in global luxury textile markets.
The project will be implemented across major Muga-producing districts, including Jorhat, Sivasagar, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Majuli and Sualkuchi. Planned interventions include improving host-plant ecosystems, establishing modern reeling facilities, promoting Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), developing common facility centres, strengthening GI authentication mechanisms and expanding access to international markets under the unified “Senehjori” brand.
Speaking at the launch, Scindia said the initiative reflects the Centre’s commitment to showcasing the unique strengths of the Northeast while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. He described Muga silk as more than a textile product, calling it a symbol of India’s cultural and civilisational heritage.
The Union minister noted that the mission has been developed through a collaborative approach involving central ministries, the Assam government, technical institutions and private-sector stakeholders to ensure comprehensive growth of the industry.
The programme is being led by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region in partnership with the Assam government, the Central Silk Board, the Ministry of Textiles and several other agencies. Over the next three years, the project is expected to attract investments ranging between Rs 396 crore and Rs 411 crore, including a contribution of Rs 136 crore to Rs 151 crore from the DoNER Ministry.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the initiative would provide a transformative push to Assam’s Muga silk industry, opening up new economic opportunities while preserving a key element of the state’s cultural identity. He emphasised that the mission is focused not only on safeguarding the traditional craft but also on improving the livelihoods of farmers and weavers who sustain the industry.
As part of the programme, 1,180 Farmer Interest Groups and 30 Farmer Producer Organisations will be established to strengthen production networks, improve market connectivity and enhance income opportunities for stakeholders.
Officials expressed confidence that Mission Senehjori would help elevate Assam’s globally renowned golden silk from a traditional craft into a premium international luxury brand, while ensuring long-term livelihood security and preserving its rich cultural legacy.
