Young Entrepreneur Defies Norms with Prosperous Silk Venture in Assam

Dhruvajit Hatibaruah, from Sivasagar, Assam, has transformed traditional sericulture into a profitable scientific enterprise. Utilizing technical guidance from the Assam State Sericulture Department, he has expanded his venture to include commercial mushroom cultivation. His work positions Eri silk, promoted by PM Modi, as a key player in eco-friendly textile markets.

Breaking away from the traditional pursuit of government jobs, Dhruvajit Hatibaruah, an Economics graduate from Dikchu, Assam, has charted a new path of self-reliance through innovative agro-entrepreneurship. His journey began in 2022 with just 20 silkworms, backed firmly by his parents' support. Today, his venture has blossomed into a profitable scientific sericulture enterprise.

Initially operating on a small scale, Dhruvajit later integrated technical insights from the Assam State Sericulture Department to refine his methods. He now successfully undertakes scientific Eri and Muga silkworm rearing, capitalizing on the Eri silkworm's rapid 40-day production cycle to sustain year-round operations. Eri silk yarn is sold for a lucrative price in the market, while silkworm pupae fetch even higher returns due to their culinary appeal.

Diversifying his agricultural portfolio, Dhruvajit has made significant inroads into the commercial mushroom market, growing year-round Oyster mushrooms and seasonal Milky and Paddy Straw variants. His efforts align with Prime Minister Modi’s global promotion of Eri silk, recently gifting an Assamese Eri silk garment to Italy's Prime Minister, enhancing its global reputation. Experts note the potential for entrepreneurs like Dhruvajit to globalize Assam's rural economy further if technical export hurdles are overcome.