Pat silk production in Assam
The news article, 'Assam meets 96.58 percent demand for Muga, but only 5.13 percent for Pat silk,' published in your esteemed daily on March 9, has drawn our attention. It is true that Assam is primarily known as the Muga silk-producing state in the country. The demand for Assam's GI-tagged Muga silk has increased, and it has been fulfilled with the local production, but what is a worrying aspect is that there is a huge gap between production and demand for Pat silk. As reported, Assam has recorded a production of 202.83 metric tonnes of Muga silk against a demand of 210 MT in 2023-24, whereas Pat silk production in the state was just 15.40 MT against a 300 MT demand in the same period. The concerned minister informed the House that the shortfall in demand for Pat silk is met through imports, but this practice appears to be much more challenging and commercially unviable.
Unfavourable weather and global warming have greatly affected the rearing of silkworms outdoors. It is heartening to learn that the Central Silk Board's regional office is currently engaged in identifying comparatively cooler places, especially in Northeast states, for rearing Muga silk worms for the resultant production of Muga silk yarn. It needs to be mentioned here that the usual time for rearing Muga silkworms in the state is the Assamese months of 'Ahar' and 'Bhado,' which are the hottest months in Assam. Now, it is needed for the Assam Agriculture University to carry on intensive research to develop a hardier species of Muga silk worms, which will be able to withstand harsh weather conditions.
All stakeholders, including Directorates of Sericulture in NE states, should work together to evolve schemes for integrated development of the silk industry in the region. Unless there is joint collaboration, Assam alone cannot meet the growing demand for Pat silk. Upskilling the local population in Sualkuchi, the heart of Assam's Muga silk industry, to leverage Pat silk production against the demand is crucial for maintaining a prominent global standing. Assam's handloom, textiles, and sericulture will gain recognition in the global arena when its people unite and strive towards shared goals, promoting its inclusive and substantial growth.
Iqbal Saikia,
Guwahati.