Guwahati: The Meghalaya government has unveiled a Rs 4.61 crore initiative to strengthen the state’s eri silk sector, alongside announcing new infrastructure and education projects aimed at supporting rural livelihoods and human capital development.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma launched the E-RISE (Eri Rearing, Innovation, Spinning and Empowerment) programme in Ri-Bhoi district, targeting 1,200 farming households across 22 clusters. The initiative seeks to reinforce the entire eri silk value chain—from rearing to yarn production, with the objective of enhancing farmer incomes and ensuring value addition remains within the state.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries will be provided with high-yielding host plants, financial support to build climate-resilient rearing houses, and electric spinning machines to improve productivity. Skill development and training components have also been integrated to boost efficiency and output.
The programme was designed in response to feedback from local farmers, who pointed to a significant gap between the price of raw cocoons and processed yarn marketed outside Meghalaya. Officials estimate that the intervention could generate an annual economic value of Rs 9.36 crore, more than twice the initial investment.
In addition, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a mini stadium at Patarim in Umsning, addressing a long-standing public demand and contributing to the state’s preparations for the National Games 2027. The project is part of a broader push to upgrade sports infrastructure.
On the education front, a Rs 1.57 crore initiative titled Project ASPIRE was also launched in collaboration with NITI Aayog. The programme is designed to offer round-the-clock academic support, career counselling, and preparation for competitive examinations.
Speaking at the event, Sangma flagged concerns over a projected annual revenue shortfall of nearly Rs 2,000 crore arising from changes in tax devolution under the Union Budget 2026–27. He noted that discussions with the Centre have led to compensatory support measures for affected hill states.
The event also featured the distribution of assets under the E-RISE scheme and direct interactions with beneficiaries, marking a significant step towards strengthening rural livelihoods and promoting local industry in the region.