By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday inaugurated the state’s first eri silk yarn manufacturing unit at Lumdaitkhla in Bhoirymbong, Ri Bhoi district, marking a boost for the state’s textile sector and rural entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The unit, named Sai Lum Eri Silk Manufacturing Unit, has been supported under PRIME Meghalaya and is aimed at strengthening sustainable livelihoods, promoting indigenous textile traditions and expanding income opportunities for local communities.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Chief Minister said entrepreneurship remained central to the government’s development strategy. He said the initiative had helped address the absence of an organised market for eri silk cocoons, creating new opportunities for both farmers and weavers.
He noted that eri silk farmers were now able to sell cocoons within the state at fair prices, while weavers could access yarn at more affordable rates.
“With the kind of dedication shown by the entrepreneurs, I am further motivated to support such initiatives,” Sangma said, adding that the project reflected the government’s focus on strengthening rural industries.
The unit, founded by Wallambok Pyngrope, received Rs 50 lakh in zero-interest support under PRIME Meghalaya. It currently produces around 20 kg of yarn per day and employs 15 local workers, with an impact on over 2,000 weavers in the region.
Meghalaya Basin Management Authority (MBMA) Executive Director Saloni Verma said the project was the result of sustained coordination among departments and described it as a source of dignified and sustainable livelihoods.
She lauded Pyngrope for his efforts in building an enterprise rooted in local needs and said similar ventures would be encouraged across the state.
Meghalaya’s eri silk, also known as Ryndia, has gained national recognition for its eco-friendly and ‘cruelty-free’ production process. The textile received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in April 2025.
The product also drew national attention when Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Meghalaya’s eri silk traditions during an episode of Mann Ki Baat in June 2025.
According to the founder, Meghalaya is the second-largest producer of eri cocoon in the country, with Ri Bhoi alone accounting for about 60 metric tonnes annually. The region has around 7,200 eri farmers and about 1,000 active weavers.
The Chief Minister also handed over a cheque of Rs 35 lakh to the entrepreneur during the programme, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting local enterprises and strengthening the rural economy through traditional industries combined with market-driven growth.