Mission Senehjori Launched to Transform Assam’s Muga Silk into Global Brand

The mission seeks to unlock the vast economic potential of Assam’s unique Muga silk by strengthening every component of the value chain—from cultivation and production to branding, exports and tourism.

In a major boost to India's traditional textile sector and the economic development of the North Eastern Region, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, along with the Chief Minister of Assam, has launched Mission Senehjori – Assam Muga Silk USP, a comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming Assam's renowned Muga silk industry into a globally competitive luxury textile ecosystem.

The mission seeks to unlock the vast economic potential of Assam's unique Muga silk by strengthening every component of the value chain—from cultivation and production to branding, exports and tourism. The initiative is being implemented through a collaborative framework involving the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Government of Assam, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles and several other Central Government ministries and agencies.

Muga silk, often referred to as the "golden silk of Assam," is globally recognised for its natural golden sheen, exceptional durability and cultural significance. It is the world's only naturally golden silk and India's first silk product to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Despite its premium status and international recognition, the sector has remained underutilised from a commercial perspective. Mission Senehjori has been designed to bridge this gap by creating a premium, traceable and export-oriented Muga silk economy that benefits producers while strengthening Assam's position in global luxury textile markets.

Cluster-Based Development Model to Modernise the Entire Value Chain

Mission Senehjori adopts a cluster-based development approach covering Assam's major Muga silk-producing districts, including Jorhat, Sivasagar, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Majuli and Sualkuchi. The initiative aims to strengthen every stage of the production ecosystem through targeted interventions and infrastructure development.

Under the mission, a unified brand identity called "Senehjori" will be developed to promote authentic Assam Muga silk products across national and global markets. The initiative also seeks to ensure that every stage of the supply chain is transparent and traceable, thereby enhancing consumer confidence and helping producers realise premium prices for their products.

According to officials, the mission is expected to significantly improve productivity, quality standards and market competitiveness while preserving the traditional heritage associated with Muga silk production.

Major Investment Planned to Boost Livelihoods and Exports

Mission Senehjori is expected to involve an investment of approximately ₹396 crore to ₹411 crore over a three-year period, with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region contributing between ₹136 crore and ₹151 crore towards implementation. The programme has been designed not only to enhance production and exports but also to improve the livelihoods of thousands of rural families dependent on Muga silk cultivation, rearing and weaving.

Currently, nearly 2.6 lakh rearer and weaver families are engaged in Assam's Muga silk sector. However, despite producing one of the world's most exclusive natural fibres, many households earn only between ₹18,000 and ₹21,000 annually from Muga silk-related activities.

Addressing the launch event, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia highlighted that Assam accounts for nearly 90 percent of global Muga silk production, making the state uniquely positioned to dominate international luxury silk markets. He noted that Mission Senehjori has been developed based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a "whole-of-government" approach, bringing together central ministries, state agencies, technical institutions and private-sector stakeholders to achieve common objectives.

The Minister emphasised that the ultimate goal is to ensure that the premium value generated by Muga silk reaches the farmers, rearers and weavers who form the backbone of the industry. "My commitment to you is that we will contribute and ensure that every part of the value chain comes together to take Muga silk from the cocoons of Assam to the world stage," Scindia said.

The mission is also expected to enhance Assam's export potential by positioning Muga silk as a globally recognised luxury textile comparable to the finest natural fibres available internationally.

Vision 2028: Building a Global Luxury Silk and Tourism Ecosystem

Mission Senehjori has set several ambitious targets to be achieved by 2028.

Among its major goals are:

• Establishment of five modern Muga reeling units.

• Creation of a dedicated Muga Spun Mill.

• Formation of 30 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).

• Creation of more than 1,180 Farmer Interest Groups.

• Regeneration of 5,000 hectares of Som and Soalu host plants.

• GI authentication of over 80 percent of traded Muga silk.

• Digital traceability coverage for more than 8,000 households.

• Expansion of annual Muga silk exports to over 2,000 kilograms.

Beyond textile production, the initiative also aims to develop Assam into a major destination for silk heritage tourism.

Planned tourism initiatives include:

Muga Silk Trail

A dedicated tourism route that will allow visitors to experience the entire Muga silk production process, from cultivation to weaving.

Silk Tourism Park

A specialised attraction showcasing Assam's silk heritage, traditional craftsmanship and textile innovations.

Annual Muga Utsav

Speaking at the launch, the Chief Minister of Assam welcomed Mission Senehjori as a landmark programme that would help preserve the state's rich silk heritage while creating new opportunities for farmers, artisans, entrepreneurs and young innovators.

Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region Dr Sukanta Majumdar also described the initiative as a transformative step that would strengthen rural livelihoods, encourage entrepreneurship and establish Assam as a globally recognised centre for premium silk production.

Secretary, MDoNER, Shri Sanjay Jaju highlighted Assam's unique advantage as the world's only producer of authentic Muga silk and said the mission would focus on strengthening host-plant regeneration, seed security, modern processing infrastructure, GI authentication and global branding initiatives.