World Association of Young Scientists

The golden yellow muga silk (Antherea assamensis Helfer) of Assam is unique product of India and it is nowhere available in the world except Assam and few states of North East India due to its peculiar insect behavioural adaptation and requisite climatic conditions. The larva of these silkworms feed primarily on som (Persea bombycina) and soalu (Litsaea polyantha) leaves. The natural golden color silk produced is known for its glossy fine texture and durability. Muga possesses unique characteristics such as unique method of cultivation and production, color stability (everlasting), golden colour increases with each wash, tensile strength -strongest amongst all silks, UV absorption capacity, durability, acid resistant (resistant to concentrated Sulphuric acid) and thermal properties.The present production is around 127 MT and nearly 50,000 families directly engaged in muga farming for their livelohood.

Eri silkworm is exclusive prerogative of North Eastern India and of late introduced to other parts of India. More than 2.0 lakh farm families are directly depend on this industry for their livelihood. However, sustainability of livelihood of this section people needs more attention for which product diversification is the promising venture. Besides silk and silk product diversification, there is immense scope for food diversification. The different recipe of eri silk pupa are having huge demand in the tribal dominated states of N.E. Region such as Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram and some parts of Assam and Manipur. Very recently, one promising entrepreneur of Nagaland, Mr. Dili Solomon is coming forward to set up a Eri pupa pickle industry along with king chilli pickle industry.