Assam's traditional Eri silk industry has received a significant push with the inauguration of an Eri Silk Development Hub at Chengnoi in Nalbari district, aimed at preserving the state's handloom heritage while expanding livelihood opportunities for rural women. State Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah announced the initiative on Thursday, 15 October 2026, stating that the hub would strengthen the traditional silk value chain through skill development, modern technology, product diversification, and improved market access for local artisans.

Scale of Outreach and Training

According to Minister Mallabaruah, the hub has already reached more than 3,510 women through awareness campaigns and community mobilisation programmes. Over 100 women have received training across five livelihood trades, including 30 women trained specifically in different stages of the Eri silk value chain.

Participation in Eri silk production has expanded substantially — around 25 to 30 households are now connected to the value chain, compared with just two households previously. The hub has also installed 10 solar-powered spinning machines and two looms to improve production capacity, and the intervention has helped increase yarn output by 2.5 times, the minister said.

Commercial Pathways for Artisans

Beyond production improvements, the initiative is seeking to create commercially viable opportunities for artisans. Three product lines have been developed to explore wider commercial markets, while 25 households have been enrolled in formal handloom systems through Pehchan Cards and Yarn Passbooks.

These measures are expected to help artisans improve production practices, access organised handloom support systems, and establish stronger market connections. The use of solar-powered machinery is also expected to support more efficient production while improving the operational capacity of participating households.

Cultural Significance of Eri Silk

Eri silk — also known as peace silk — occupies a distinctive place in Assam's traditional textile heritage. The craft has deep cultural roots in Nalbari district, including among members of the Bodo community, and has traditionally served as a source of supplementary income for rural households.

The development hub seeks to combine this inherited knowledge with improved techniques and product development to enhance the economic potential of the sector. By strengthening the entire value chain — from spinning and weaving to product development and market access — the initiative aims to help women artisans participate more effectively in local enterprise.

Broader Economic Context in Nalbari

This initiative comes alongside growing industrial attention to Nalbari, which has also attracted an announcement of an ₹800 crore food manufacturing project in the district. Together, the developments reflect efforts to promote economic opportunities through both industrial investment and community-based livelihood programmes.

Mallabaruah said, 'As Nalbari pursues industrial development alongside efforts to strengthen traditional livelihoods, the focus is on ensuring that economic growth also benefits local communities. Expanding opportunities for women artisans while preserving Assam's cultural heritage could help create a more inclusive and sustainable rural economy.'

As the handloom and handicraft sector continues to face challenges in production efficiency and market access, the Chengnoi hub is being watched as a model for linking traditional craft skills with technology and structured commercial support.