Guwahati (Assam), December 11 (HBTV): A 50-year-old female entrepreneur from the Nitaipukhuri area of Assam's Sivasagar district has successfully revived the traditional Muga silk industry in the upper Assam region. Despite facing many challenges, Kalyani Gogoi, who now leads and supports nearly 1,000 women weavers, has earned INR 20-30 lakh annually by selling traditional Muga silk products.

Kalyani, a postgraduate in the Assamese language, began her journey in the Muga silk industry in 1996. She said, 'Sivasagar district is a potential district where a large number of Muga silkworm seeds are produced, and there are many women weavers, rearers, and spinners in the district. We established an Eri-Muga Paat Utpadan Kendra and have trained many people about this industry. The Assam Government has also been supporting us.'

She further mentioned that she first established Nitaipukhuri Boyan Silpa Samiti, which now employs around 1,000 women weavers working in the traditional Muga silk industry in the district. Kalyani added, 'The government has given us a platform to showcase and sell our products. We have participated in many expos where we sold our products. Now, we are participating in this expo (Saras Mela) and have already sold our products worth more than INR 20 lakh.'

According to data from the Assam government, Assam contributes 95 per cent and 65 per cent of the country's total Muga and Eri silk production, respectively.

Smriti Rekha Pegu, another woman entrepreneur from Assam's Dhemaji district, is a member of the 'Lakhimi Self Help Group' and is engaged in the production of handicrafts and handlooms. She said, 'We have got a good platform like Saras Mela where we can showcase and sell our products. We are now making many items like bags, hats, and traditional clothes. Annually, we sell our products worth around INR 10 lakh. We are very happy with our work.'

Biju Moni Kakati, a woman entrepreneur from the Agaon district, also expressed her gratitude for the government's support. She said, 'The government has made many of us self-reliant. We hope that the government will do more for us. We are now working on jute-based production, handloom, and other activities.'

The Assam government has organized the Asomi Saras Mela in Guwahati, providing a platform for craftsmen and entrepreneurs to showcase their exquisite creations to a large audience.

(ANI)