Silk Cocoon Cultivation

Sericulture is a major traditional income generating activity in rural areas of India. Northeastern states like Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, etc. are some of the largest producers of silk like Eri silk, Muga silk, Mulberry Silk, etc. in India. Assam contributes 65% of country’s total Eri production, involving about 3.10 lakh families. Eri silk is the product of the domesticated silkworm Samia ricini, found mainly in North East India and some part of China and Japan. The name “eri” is derived from the Assamese word “era”, which means “castor”, as the silkworm feeds on castor plants. Eri silk is a staple fiber, unlike other silks, which are continuous filament. The texture of the fabric is coarse, fine, and dense. It is very strong, durable, and elastic. Eri silk is darker and heavier than other silks and blends well with wools and cotton.

The process of producing Eri silk yarns and fibers in the villages has the smallest carbon footprint in the world in the textile industry. Another unique factor is that all activities from rearing of the silkworms to weaving happen within a village ecosystem.