Mission "Senehjori"

Why in News?

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"