Operationalisation of NEHHDC’s "Eri Silk Spinning Mill"
- January 02, 2025 :: Integrated Textile Park, Kharua, Baksa -

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Operationalisation of NEHHDC’s "Eri Silk Spinning Mill"

The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDC) has operationalised its production facility, the “ERI Silk Spinning Mill,” at the Integrated Textile Park in Kharua, Mushalpur, Baksa (Assam) with a project cost of Rs 14.92 crore, sanctioned by the North Eastern Council (NEC) under its Schemes. The largest Eri Silk Spinning Mill in the Northeast, the facility is equipped with 960 ring frame spindles and has a production capacity of 461 kg per day, with a built-up area of 12,916 square feet. This project is implemented by NEHHDC and executed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD).

The mill currently benefits approximately 25,000 households indirectly. When operating at full capacity, the mill is expected to generate direct employment for 375 individuals and provide indirect livelihood to approximately 50,000 households, with an annual raw material requirement of 230 metric tons of Eri cocoon.

The North Eastern region of India, particularly Assam, has long been renowned for its rich heritage in sericulture. Eri silk, also referred to as "peace silk" due to its non-violent method of silk extraction, is experiencing increasing popularity. Given its eco-friendly properties, Eri silk is well-aligned with the rising global demand for sustainable products.

Eri silk, known for its significant production volume and potential for blending with other fibers, presents promising opportunities for the textile industry. However, the lack of modern spinning infrastructure in Assam and the surrounding northeastern states has delayed local utilization of Eri silk cocoons, leading to their export to other states or even internationally.

To address this gap, NEHHDC has initiated the project to supply yarn to the handloom sector, improve global competitiveness in terms of price and quality, and generate income and livelihood for the local population in the region. The state-of-the-art plant has installed advanced machinery, including degumming, hydro extractor, hot air dryer, Pupa Rider, Cocoon Opener, Fiber Cutter, Bale, Press, Cheese, Cone Winding, TFO, and Reeling. The project is expected to boost production,enhance livelihood and bring socio-economic benefits to the region.

The operationalisation program was inaugurated by Shri Pramod Boro, Hon’ble CEM of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), on Thursday, 2nd January 2025, in the presence of Shri Dhananjay Basumatary, EM; Shri Daobaisa Boro, EM; Shri Rakesh Brahma, EM; Shri Bhupen Boro, MLA, 62-Barama (ST) LAC; Shri Raktim Buragohain, Secretary, Handloom & Textile BTC; Brigadier R.K. Singh (Retd.), MD, NEHHDC; CMD, NEDFI; MD, NERAMAC; senior officers from CPWD; and other officials from district administrations and various departments and groups of BTC.

In his inauguration speech, Shri Pramod Boro thanked NEHHDC for choosing BTR for the project and highlighted the Sericulture Mission to encourage cocoon farming due to the ideal climatic conditions and topography of the region, along with sourcing of the available raw materials. The primary goal of establishing the Eri Silk Spinning Mill is to support local cocoon production, enhance value through spinning and weaving, and generate significant employment for the local population. The absence of advanced machinery in the sericulture sector has limited the potential for large-scale production.

The project aims to address this by introducing modern machinery for processing and adding value to the products. Further, he emphasised the need for more production units to meet the projected demand, which could generate substantial income, estimated around Rs 3,000 crore. There are plans to establish training centres to develop the skills of local people involved in the Eri silk industry. He urged the people of the region to take advantage of the plant and encouraged the local community to embrace industrial development. The project will generate employment opportunities for the local population, contributing to regional economic growth.

According to the Managing Director, Brigadier R.K. Singh (Retd.), NEHHDC will run this production facility for the development of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) to stop the flow of Eri silk cocoons without value addition from the Northeast by producing high-quality Eri yarn in cone and hank packages. This will improve price realization and meet the demand for dyed Eri yarn as a raw material in the handloom sector across eight states in the Northeast.

The availability and access to quality yarn has been a long-standing issue in the handloom sector of the Northeast. This production facility will take Eri yarn to international export markets. It will also improve the forward and backward linkages and build a local ecosystem, contributing to the Bodoland Trade and Industrial Development.

Bidyut Bikash Rajkonwar, COO of the Eri Silk Spinning Mill, welcomed the distinguished dignitaries and highlighted the first state-of-the-art plant in the Northeast region. He emphasised that the plant, with ring-frame production, is expected to run 24 hours a day, and with an uninterrupted power supply, it will be able to yield 400 kgs/day.

He further highlighted that in 2024, NEHHDC, under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India, successfully obtained the prestigious OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification for Eri Silk from Germany, a global label for textiles tested for harmful substances. It sets the benchmark for textile safety, from yarn to finished product. Every item bearing the STANDARD 100 label is certified as having passed safety tests for harmful substances.

Additionally, the mill has a Yarn QC Lab to evaluate and improve the quality of yarn being produced. This remarkable achievement not only enhances the region’s traditional craftsmanship but also establishes Eri Silk as a globally recognized, sustainable textile material.

NEHHDC, in its promotional endeavour of ERI Silk at the recently concluded Asthalakshmi Mahotsav, held at Bharatmandapam, New Delhi (6th-8th December 2024), inaugurated by Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi, showcased Eri silk products curated by prominent Indian designers to celebrate the beauty and heritage of Eri Silk. The remarkable initiative, along with a fashion showcase by nineteen designers, included the creation of two exclusive ensembles, specially curated by Prasad Bidapa, to spotlight Eri Silk’s luxurious qualities.

Known for its exceptional softness, natural warmth, and eco-friendly production, Eri Silk is positioned to become a coveted choice in the luxury fashion landscape. By presenting these curated ensembles, each designer brings their unique perspective, showcasing Eri Silk’s versatility in both traditional and contemporary designs.

From intricate drapery to structured silhouettes, these pieces demonstrate how Eri Silk can seamlessly integrate into high-end fashion, paving the way for its prominence in global luxury markets. Through this collective effort, the designers aim to not only elevate Eri Silk’s status but also inspire the industry and consumers alike to embrace this sustainable fabric, contributing to its growth and usage in modern fashion. This collaboration reaffirms Eri Silk's place in the spotlight, as prominent designers advocate for its appreciation and adoption on an international scale.