Indian Minister of State for Textiles Ajay Tamta recently said developing the silk sector as a viable option for livelihood in north-eastern states is a high priority for his Ministry. He was addressing the three-day 8th International Conference on Wild Silk in Guwahati organised by the International Society for Wild Silk Moths, Japan, and Central Silk Board. India’s North-Eastern States accounts for about 21 per cent of the country’s silk production and produces all four varieties of silk — muga, eri, tassar and mulberry. Muga, known for its golden colour, is found only in that region and Assam owns the geographical indication (GI) tag for that variety.
