Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced the establishment of a mega handloom cluster in Sualkuchi, Kamrup, at a cost of ₹32.41 crore, aimed at glorifying the state’s “golden identity” through enhanced Muga silk production and weaver empowerment.
The comprehensive initiative, highlighted by the Chief Minister on social media, will directly benefit 4,266 weavers across 68 villages, creating a robust ecosystem to support and expand Assam’s renowned silk industry. The project represents a significant investment in preserving and promoting the state’s cultural heritage while providing economic opportunities for traditional artisans.
Assam’s silk industry is seeing sustained growth in the last 4 years.
Despite changing climatic conditions, production is on the uptick & we have introduced measures to support its continued growth including a Mega Handloom Cluster benefitting over 4,000 weavers.#4YearsOfSewa pic.twitter.com/Ak8rfMWaqR
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 26, 2025
According to official data shared by the CM, Assam’s silk production has shown steady growth, reaching 5,744.02 metric tonnes in 2023-24 compared to 5,654.01 metric tonnes in 2021-22. This upward trajectory demonstrates the increasing importance of the silk sector in the state’s economy and the potential for further expansion.
The mega handloom cluster encompasses several key components designed to modernize and strengthen the silk production ecosystem. The initiative includes advancing infrastructure to support increased production capacity, implementing hybrid model cold storage facilities to preserve silk quality, and establishing a dedicated Golden Silk Park to showcase Assam’s silk heritage.
A commercial hub will be developed as part of the cluster to facilitate better market access and business opportunities for weavers and silk producers. The project also includes the Assam Silk Outreach Mission (ASOM), which aims to expand the reach and recognition of Assam’s silk products both domestically and internationally.
Enhancing connectivity through e-marketing portals represents a crucial aspect of the initiative, allowing traditional weavers to access modern digital marketplaces and reach consumers directly. This digital integration is expected to significantly improve income opportunities for artisans while preserving traditional craftsmanship.
The comprehensive approach focuses on three key pillars: protection of traditional techniques and knowledge, promotion of Assam silk in national and international markets, and expansion of production capacity and weaver participation.
Sualkuchi, known as the “Manchester of Assam,” has been chosen as the location for this mega cluster due to its historical significance in silk production and its established community of skilled weavers. The town has been a center of silk weaving for centuries and continues to be synonymous with high-quality Assamese textiles.
Muga silk, Assam’s signature golden silk, holds special cultural and economic significance for the state. It is produced exclusively in Assam and parts of Meghalaya and is known for its natural golden color and durability. The silk has Geographical Indication (GI) tag protection, making this cluster development crucial for maintaining and expanding its market presence.
The 68 villages included in the cluster will benefit from improved infrastructure, training programs, and direct market access, potentially transforming the economic landscape for thousands of families dependent on silk production. The project is expected to create both direct and indirect employment opportunities while preserving valuable traditional skills.
