Shillong, May 11: Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma on Monday inaugurated SaiLum, an Eri yarn manufacturing unit at Bhoirymbong in Ri Bhoi district, in a move aimed at strengthening the state’s traditional silk economy and supporting local weavers and cocoon farmers.
Calling Ri Bhoi the heart of Meghalaya’s eri silk tradition, Sangma said the district has played a major role in making Meghalaya the world’s second-largest producer of Eri cocoons. He noted that Eri, also known as Ahimsa silk, is closely linked to the culture, heritage and livelihoods of communities across the state.
The chief minister said the SaiLum initiative would help reinforce Meghalaya’s growing silk ecosystem by ensuring better support for cocoon farmers and improving access to quality and affordable yarn for weavers.
“Ri Bhoi has long been central to Meghalaya’s rich eri silk tradition. The SaiLum initiative will strengthen this legacy while empowering farmers and weavers across the region,” Sangma said.
Highlighting the strategic location of Bhoirymbong, he said its proximity to Umroi Airport could open up new market opportunities for Meghalaya’s silk products and improve connectivity for trade and exports.
During the programme, the chief minister also handed over a sanction of ₹35 lakh under the PRIME Meghalaya scheme to support the initiative.
The government has been focusing on promoting eri silk production and value addition as part of its efforts to boost rural livelihoods, entrepreneurship and indigenous textile industries in Meghalaya.
