Support for 1,200 eri farmers planned; Rs 4.61 crore investment expected to boost rural incomes in Ri-Bhoi
Shillong, March 30: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday inaugurated a series of development projects in Umsning in Ri-Bhoi district, including a major initiative to boost eri silk production and rural livelihoods.
The projects, launched at Umsning Football Ground in Patarim, included Ri Bhoi Silk Dream: E-RISE—a programme focused on eri rearing, innovation, spinning and enterprise development—along with the foundation stone laying for the Umsning Mini Stadium and rollout of Project Aspire, an app-based coaching initiative.
Minister for Community and Rural Development Sosthenes Sohtun, Umsning MLA Dr C Lyngdoh and Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem were present, along with district officials.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the projects were shaped by direct feedback from residents during earlier outreach programmes, including CM Connect interactions.
“To bring meaningful change, we must listen and connect with people. These initiatives are a result of that engagement,” he said.
Highlighting the impact of such interactions, Sangma cited a suggestion from a resident during a CM Connect programme in Bhoirymbong that led to large-scale fisheries training.
“Because of one suggestion, more than 1,600 fish farmers have now been trained,” he said.
On the E-RISE initiative, the Chief Minister said it aims to address long-standing challenges in the eri silk sector, including low productivity, lack of value addition and weak market linkages.
Ri-Bhoi has over 7,000 eri farmers and weavers, and the government plans to support them in phases, beginning with 1,200 households across 22 clusters in five blocks.
“Each beneficiary will receive support of about ₹30,000. An investment of ₹4.61 crore is expected to generate annual returns of around ₹10 crore—directly benefiting farmers,” he said.
The programme focuses on improving cocoon production, enabling yarn conversion, strengthening infrastructure and promoting self-help group-led enterprises to enhance incomes.
Sangma also noted that Meghalaya’s eri silk is gaining wider recognition, mentioning that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently wore an eri silk saree from the state.
“This is a matter of pride for our farmers and shows growing recognition of our products,” he said.
The Chief Minister also laid the foundation for the Umsning Mini Stadium, a long-pending demand of local residents. The project, estimated at ₹4.71 crore, will include a natural football turf, covered gallery, drainage and fencing.
Earlier, the Chief Minister distributed E-RISE machinery, fishing nets, financial assistance and training certificates to beneficiaries, including fish farmers trained under state programmes.
Officials said the initiatives are expected to strengthen rural livelihoods, promote local enterprise and create employment opportunities in Ri-Bhoi district.
