Muga silkworm seed supply from Mizoram to Assam and Meghalaya marks a significant development for the Northeast’s sericulture sector, strengthening regional cooperation in the production of the prized golden silk. The move also highlights Mizoram’s growing role as a source of quality seed material for muga rearers beyond the state.
Muga silk is produced from Antheraea assamensis, a multivoltine silkworm native to the Northeast. Assam remains the leading producer, while Meghalaya and Mizoram have also developed important muga-rearing activities. Recent initiatives in Mizoram are aimed at improving seed production and supporting farmers across the region.
Mizoram expands muga seed production
Mizoram already has several facilities linked to muga cultivation. The Central Silk Board lists muga seed farms at Kawnpui, Kolasib, Zemabawk and Mamit in the state. These facilities form part of the infrastructure supporting seed production and distribution.
The state has also been strengthening its muga sector through the Augmentation of Muga Culture Project. According to the Mizoram Governor’s 2026 budget-session address, 565 beneficiaries received training under the project, covering activities across the pre-cocoon, seed and post-cocoon stages.
The latest supply initiative therefore builds on an existing production network rather than representing a completely new activity. It also reflects efforts to make Mizoram more active in the wider Northeast muga value chain.
Muga silkworm seed can support farmers
Reliable muga silkworm seed is essential for successful commercial rearing. The Assam Sericulture Directorate says timely availability of superior-quality seed is a key requirement for sustaining muga sericulture. It also notes that inadequate availability of quality seed has historically affected muga silk production.
Muga rearing differs from mulberry sericulture because the silkworm is reared outdoors on host plants. Som and soalu are among the important host plants used for muga production, with soalu particularly associated with seed production.
For farmers in Assam and Meghalaya, additional sources of seed can help reduce dependence on supplies from limited production areas. The availability of seed at the right time is particularly important because muga has different seed and commercial crop cycles during the year.
Assam remains the main production centre
Assam continues to dominate India’s muga silk production. Data included in the Central Silk Board’s 2025-26 action plan show that Assam had 31,391 families associated with muga culture and produced 203 metric tonnes of raw muga silk in 2023-24. Meghalaya had 7,018 families and produced 42 tonnes, while Mizoram had 1,061 families and produced four tonnes.
The figures underline the different roles played by the three states. Assam has the largest production base, Meghalaya has a substantial muga-rearing community and Mizoram has scope to expand its seed and production capacity.
Mizoram has already supplied muga seed material to Assam. The state’s 2026 Governor’s address said 10,000 muga seed cocoons were airlifted to Guwahati and Jorhat for multiplication. This indicates the growing role of Mizoram in supporting seed multiplication outside the state.
Meghalaya also has established seed infrastructure
Meghalaya is itself an important muga seed zone. The state has departmental muga seed farms at Umsohpieng and Resubelpara, while Central Silk Board records also identify muga seed facilities in East Garo Hills.
The Meghalaya government has also identified the upgrading of departmental muga seed farms as an ongoing priority. The programme includes modernization of seed preparation and disinfection facilities, along with plantation improvement.
This infrastructure means that Mizoram’s supply can complement existing capacity rather than replace local production.
Regional cooperation could strengthen silk livelihoods
The movement of muga silkworm seed between Northeast states reflects the interconnected nature of the region’s silk economy. Better coordination among state sericulture departments, seed farms, farmers and the Central Silk Board can improve access to quality planting and seed material.
Recent research has also focused on improving muga seed support through cooler rearing zones, including work involving Mizoram and other Northeast states. Such efforts are intended to address seasonal challenges and improve the reliability of seed production.
For Assam and Meghalaya, supplies from Mizoram could provide another source of seed material when local availability is constrained. For Mizoram, wider distribution can create additional opportunities for farmers involved in seed production and strengthen the commercial side of the state’s sericulture sector.
The latest development adds another link to the Northeast’s muga silk network. With Assam leading production, Meghalaya maintaining a strong seed and rearing base, and Mizoram expanding its seed activities, greater regional coordination could support more consistent muga cultivation and strengthen livelihoods connected to the traditional silk industry.