Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has said the state has the potential to become a major silk-producing region in India.
He made the statement on September 28 while chairing a review meeting of the Sericulture Department in Aizawl.
Lalduhoma called for a substantial project to expand the sector. He also asked officials to identify challenges faced by farmers and field-level workers.
According to the Chief Minister, stronger sericulture can support Mizoram’s rural economy. It can also contribute to the state’s long-term development plans under the Viksit Mizoram 2047 vision.
Mizoram Has 7,040 Sericulture Farmers
Mizoram currently has 7,040 sericulture farmers. The state has produced 53.826 metric tonnes of cocoons up to September this year.
The government has also increased the procurement price of cocoons. It raised the rate from Rs 300 to Rs 350 per kilogram.
The higher procurement price aims to provide additional support to farmers. It could also encourage more people to take up sericulture as a source of income.
Lalduhoma said the government needs to strengthen the sector at multiple levels. This includes production, storage, manpower and other infrastructure.
Government Plans Better Cocoon Storage
Cocoon storage remains one of the issues discussed during the review meeting.
The Chief Minister directed officials to prepare a proposal for purchasing refrigerators. These facilities would help store cocoons produced by silkworm rearers.
The department also faces manpower shortages. Therefore, Lalduhoma suggested changes to recruitment rules.
The changes could help the government recruit essential field personnel more quickly. Officials have particularly identified the need for more rearers.
The Chief Minister also asked district-level officers to openly report their requirements. He said the government would discuss their concerns and look for solutions.
Eri, Muga and Mulberry Projects Underway
Several programmes are already supporting sericulture across Mizoram.
The Eri Cocoon and Yarn Production Cluster Development programme covers 120 farmers in Aizawl, Lunglei and Saitual districts.
Meanwhile, the Integrated Muga Sericulture Development programme covers 70 households in Aizawl and Saitual.
Another project focuses on strengthening the state’s mulberry value chain. The Comprehensive Mulberry Value Chain Enhancement Project currently covers 60 farmers.
These programmes cover different stages of silk production. They also aim to improve opportunities for farmers and rural households.
Handholding Programme Supports Farmers
The state government is also using its Bana Kaih (Handholding) programme to support sericulture beneficiaries.
Around 70 per cent of beneficiaries under the initiative have reached the cocoon production stage, according to officials.
The programme has provided special packages and loans to beneficiaries. The government is also reviewing ways to make these support programmes more effective.
Officials highlighted the progress of individual farmers during the meeting. Hrangngaihkimi of Tawipui North-II received the CM Award 2026.
Lalchhandami of Tuipui D in Hnahthial district also received a Best Achiever Award from the Central Silk Board.
Sericulture Linked to Viksit Mizoram 2047
Lalduhoma has linked the expansion of sericulture with the state’s broader development vision.
The Viksit Mizoram 2047 vision seeks long-term economic and social development. The government sees sectors such as sericulture as part of this wider effort.
Earlier this year, Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh also reviewed Mizoram’s silk and sericulture sector. Discussions focused on expanding sericulture, improving silk production and supporting weavers and rural communities.
During that visit, the Union minister also said Mizoram could potentially produce more than 1,000 metric tonnes of silk annually by 2035.
Government Focuses on Expanding Silk Production
The latest review meeting shows a renewed focus on expanding Mizoram’s silk sector.
However, the state still needs to address several practical challenges. These include manpower shortages, storage facilities and field-level infrastructure.
Lalduhoma has asked officials to prepare a major project to address these issues. He has also encouraged district officials to communicate their needs directly.
For now, Mizoram’s sericulture sector has a growing base of farmers and several ongoing programmes. With additional infrastructure and institutional support, the government aims to expand production and create more opportunities in rural areas.
The Chief Minister’s latest statement therefore places sericulture among the sectors that Mizoram plans to develop as part of its long-term economic vision.