HT Correspondent
PASIGHAT, Oct 11: The Central Muga Eri Research and Training Institute (CMER&TI), Lahdoigarh, under the Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, in collaboration with the Department of Sericulture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, organized a one-day workshop on “Strengthening Tribal Livelihoods through Sustainable Muga and Ericulture in Arunachal Pradesh” at the Department of Sericulture Farm, Sille in East Siang district.
The workshop aimed to promote sustainable sericulture practices, disseminate recent technological advancements, and encourage active tribal participation in Muga and Eri culture to enhance rural livelihoods and empower women in the state.
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The event commenced with a ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries, followed by the inauguration of an exhibition showcasing Muga and Eri silk technologies and value-added products.
The inaugural session was graced by chief guest Ninong Ering, MLA, Pasighat West, along with special guests Yanung Jamoh Lego, Herbal Medicine Expert and Padma Shri awardee, Barnali Sur, Director, Department of Sericulture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagesh S, Assistant Secretary, Central Silk Board, Guwahati, and chaired by Dr Kartik Neog, Director, CSB-CMER&TI, Lahdoigarh.
Dr Diganta Mech, Scientist-D, CMER&TI, Lahdoigarh, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the objectives of the workshop. Ninong Ering emphasised the importance of sericulture as a sustainable livelihood opportunity for tribal communities and assured continued government support to strengthen the sector.
Dr Kartik Neog outlined CMER&TI’s initiatives and roadmap for Northeast India, focusing on research, training, and field interventions, while Barnali Sur assured full cooperation from the state government to expand activities at the Regional Extension Centre, Sille.
During the session, three technical leaflets were released by the dignitaries, including Indigenous Technical Knowledge for Sustainable Development of Muga Culture authored by Dr D. Mech and Dr Vijay N, Cocoon to Yarn – Eri Silk Post-Cocoon Guide by Nishant Singhal, Roshan Lal Meena, and Dr Vijay N, and Muga Cocoon to Yarn – Step by Step Process by Roshan Lal Meena, Nishant Singhal, and Dr Vijay N, offering detailed guidance for enhancing sericulture practices.
The workshop also recognized four progressive farmers from different districts for their exemplary contributions to Muga and Eri sectors.
In the Eri sector, Nunu Taluk of Tekang Village and Obi Jomang of Remi Village, East Siang, were felicitated, while in the Muga sector, Takir Taloh of Ledum Village and India Moyong of Lingka Village, East Siang, received awards.
The awardees shared their experiences, discussing challenges such as seed availability and infrastructure, and expressed gratitude for the technical support provided by CMER&TI and the Department of Sericulture.
The post-lunch technical sessions focused on scientific and practical aspects of Muga and Eri culture.
Presentations were made by Dr D. Mech and Pulak Rabha on Advances in Muga Culture and Field Management, and by Nishant Singhal and Roshan L. Meena on Post-Cocoon Technologies and Value Addition in Vanya Sericulture.
An interactive session followed, allowing farmers to discuss field-level challenges and seek expert guidance to improve productivity and income.
Dr Vijay N, Scientist-D, CMER&TI, proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of dignitaries, officials, scientists, farmers, and media representatives.
The workshop concluded with a collective commitment to strengthen the sericulture sector in Arunachal Pradesh through scientific interventions, capacity building, and ongoing collaboration between research institutes and farmers.
Participants appreciated the initiative and recommended similar workshops be organised in other potential sericulture clusters across the state to further enhance livelihoods and empower tribal communities.
