Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, on Tuesday launched Mission Senehjori, a comprehensive cluster-based initiative aimed at transforming Assam’s renowned Muga silk sector into a globally competitive luxury textile ecosystem.
Launched in collaboration with the Government of Assam, the Central Silk Board, the Ministry of Textiles and other central agencies, the mission seeks to strengthen the entire Muga silk value chain, from host-plant cultivation and silkworm seed production to weaving, branding, exports, digital traceability and tourism promotion. Assam produces around 90 per cent of the world’s Muga silk, known for its natural golden sheen and status as India’s first GI-tagged silk.
Describing the initiative as a reflection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atmanirbhar North East, Scindia said Muga silk is not merely a textile product but a cultural and civilisational heritage asset. He noted that despite its global recognition, the sector remains under-monetised, with many producers earning only ₹18,000–21,000 annually. Mission Senehjori aims to improve value realisation for rearers and weavers while positioning Assam as a global hub for premium silk and luxury textile value chains.
The mission will adopt a cluster-based approach across key Muga-producing districts, including Jorhat, Sivasagar, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Majuli and Sualkuchi. It envisages strengthening host-plant ecology, modernising reeling infrastructure, promoting Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), establishing Common Facility Centres and enforcing GI authentication under the unified “Senehjori” brand.
With an estimated investment of ₹396-411 crore over three years, including ₹136-151 crore from the DoNER Ministry, the initiative aims to establish five modernised Muga reeling units and a Muga Spun Mill, create 30 FPOs and over 1,180 Farmer Interest Groups, regenerate 5,000 hectares of host plants and digitally connect more than 8,000 households. The mission also seeks to expand Muga silk exports and promote silk heritage tourism through initiatives such as a Muga Silk Trail, a Silk Tourism Park and annual Muga Utsav festivals.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the mission as a landmark initiative that would create new opportunities for farmers, weavers, artisans and entrepreneurs while preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage. Minister of State for DoNER Sukanta Majumdar said the project would help establish Assam as a globally recognised centre for premium silk production while generating employment and promoting sustainable rural livelihoods.
