The Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh has said that Mizoram holds significant potential in sericulture and fiber-based industries. Singh, who is on a two-day visit to the state, stated that the introduction of small, community-level machinery is crucial for efficient fiber extraction and cocoon processing. He underlined that decentralized infrastructure would not only enhance production but also empower rural communities by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. He was addressing a meeting at Lok Bhavan in Aizawl, which was attended by Sericulture Minister Lalthansanga, along with officials from the Sericulture Department, Cooperation Department, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Department, Eastern Zone Weavers’ Service Centre, and the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms.
The Union Minister further highlighted the importance of adopting a buy-back model for fiber extraction projects. Focusing on diversification, the Union Minister spoke about the need to promote new-age fibers such as Ramie and linen and suggested that the Agriculture Department should initiate pilot demonstration projects to assess their viability and expand cultivation in Mizoram. Addressing the handloom sector, the Union Minister stated that targeted interventions at the household level can significantly enhance income generation. He suggested that select families be supported with multiple looms to build successful micro-models, which could then serve as inspiration for broader community adoption. He stressed that showcasing such success stories would help in motivating others and strengthening the sector organically.
On market development, the Union Minister called for the organization of buyer-seller meets involving designers and stakeholders from across the Northeastern region. He observed that such platforms would facilitate better design integration, improve product visibility, and open up new market opportunities for local artisans. Highlighting the importance of branding and outreach, the Union Minister also encouraged the participation of youth, particularly women from the Northeast, in promoting silk products, stating that their involvement would add value to marketing efforts and help position regional textiles on a larger platform.
The Union Minister reiterated that a coordinated approach involving innovation, market linkage, and grassroots empowerment is essential to unlock the full potential of Mizoram’s textile and sericulture sectors and to ensure long-term socio-economic development for weavers and artisans across the state At the meeting, Cooperation Commissioner & Secretary Udit Prakash Rai and Sericulture Secretary Florence Zotluangpuii delivered a presentation titled “Mizoram’s Sericulture Potential at a Glance.” They used a PowerPoint presentation to explain the current status of Mizoram’s textiles and the roadmap leading up to 2047. Agriculture Joint Director R. Lalramhluni also detailed various initiatives and future plans under the department.
