Empowering Communities through Eri Silk Spinning Training at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Morigaon, Assam, June 12, 2025 – A significant step towards sustainable livelihoods and the revival of Assam’s traditional sericulture practices was marked today with the successful completion of a 5-day training program on Eri silk spinning. The initiative, held under the Ouguri Eco Development Committee near Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, was a collaborative effort between the Assistant Director of Sericulture, Morigaon, and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Mayong.
In a pioneering move, the Range Officer of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Pranjal Baruah, and the Assistant Director of Sericulture, Morigaon, Sri Nirupam Roy Choudhury, joined hands to engage the fringe communities of Pobitora in sericulture activities. The initiative aims to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities while reintroducing Assam’s rich tradition of producing high-value fibers like Eri, Muga, and Pat. These environmentally friendly practices involve plantation, integrated organic farming, silkworm rearing, and the production of manure and fuel, fostering both economic growth and ecological balance.
The 5-day training program, conducted at Ouguri, empowered 10 women weavers from the Eco Development Committee. Led by Master Trainer Ms. Zaheda Begum, Assistant Manager at the Eri Spinning Training Center, and supported by Anita Borah, the program equipped participants with essential skills in Eri silk spinning. Upon completion, the trainees were awarded certificates by Sri Nirupam Roy Choudhury, I/C Assistant Director, Morigaon Sericulture Division; Pranjal Baruah, AFS, Range Officer, Pobitora WLS; Nripen Chandra Nath, Inspector, Sericulture; and Sujeeta Saikia, Extension Officer, Sericulture.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has established five Eco Development Committees in its fringe areas to protect wildlife and promote eco-friendly livelihoods for forest-dwelling communities. This training program aligns with the sanctuary’s mission to integrate conservation with community development, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional forest-dependent livelihoods.
This initiative not only strengthens the economic prospects of the local community but also contributes to the preservation of Assam’s cultural heritage through the revival of its sericulture traditions.
FirstNE.in
Reporting from Morigaon, Assam