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The Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, together with the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Assam, today launched Mission "Senehjori".
- It is a comprehensive cluster-based initiative aimed at transforming Assam's unique Muga silk sector into a globally competitive, high-value luxury textile ecosystem.
- Aim - It 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.
- Major Muga silk producing districts - The Mission adopts a cluster-based approach covering districts including Jorhat, Sivasagar, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Majuli and Sualkuchi.
- Objectives - The initiative envisages
- Strengthening host plant ecology,
- Establishing modern reeling infrastructure,
- Promoting Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs),
- Creating Common Facility Centres (CFCs),
- Enforcing GI authentication and
- Building global market access under the unified brand identity "Senehjori".
- Principle - Conceptualised on the principle of "whole-of-government" approach, with convergence across Central Ministries, the Government of Assam, technical institutions and private-sector partners.
- Duration - 3-year period.
- Achievable Key outcomes, 2028
- Establishment of 5 modernised Muga reeling units and a Muga Spun Mill,
- Creation of 30 FPOs and over 1,180 Farmer Interest Groups,
- Regeneration of 5,000 hectares of Som and Soalu host plants,
- Authentication of over 80% of traded Muga silk through GI-linked systems,
- Creation of digital traceability mechanisms for more than 8,000 households and expansion of Muga silk exports to over 2,000 kilograms annually.
- It also seeks to promote the cultural economy through development of a Muga Silk Trail, establishment of a Silk Tourism Park and organisation of annual Muga Utsav festivals.
- Thereby, positioning Assam as a premier destination for silk heritage tourism.
Muga Silk
- Muga silk is an incredibly rare, natural golden silk produced exclusively in the Indian state of Assam.
Assam accounts for 90% of the world’s Muga silk production.
- It is known as the world's only naturally golden silk and India's first GI-tagged silk.
- Derived from - The semi-domesticated Antheraea assamensis silkmoth, it is world-renowned for its organic yellow-gold sheen, extreme durability, and heirloom longevity.
- Key Characteristics
- Natural Gold Finish - The silk derives its signature golden hue from the larvae's diet of aromatic Som and Soalu leaves.
- Aged Brilliance - Unlike other fabrics, Muga silk's natural gloss improves with every wash.
- Longevity - It is highly durable and often outlasts its wearer, making it a traditional heirloom fabric.
- UV Resistance - It provides natural protection against harmful ultraviolet rays.
- Royal Heritage - For centuries, Muga production and weaving were exclusively reserved for Ahom royalty.
- Geographical Indication (GI) - It is India’s first GI-tagged silk and remains an integral part of Assamese traditional attire, such as the Mekhela Chador.
Reference
PIB | Mission "Senehjori"
