Threads of change

Credit to the efforts of a young District Commissioner, Varnali Deka, Nalbari in Assam has achieved self-sufficiency in Eri seed production, empowering women through sustainable sericulture initiatives and market linkages

- ANIL SWARUP

Located in a remote part of the country, Nalbari in Assam is a district with 1,09,481 economically disadvantaged households (according to SECC data) and limited resources. The district also has small landholdings and faces high anthropogenic pressure as the third most densely populated district in the state.Furthermore, there was a need for suitable livelihood options for women, given the district's thriving ecosystem of women's self-help groups under the Rural Livelihood Mission. These circumstances necessitated the exploration of nonland-dependent, sustainable livelihood options. Finally, the administration decided to uphold and upgrade the district's traditional Eri rearing culture. This proved to be a promising livelihood option suitable for women, while also promoting traditional handloom and sericulture through a cluster approach, integrating the benefits of various schemes such as MGNREGA, NRLM, Amrit Sarovar, etc.

Eri culture, a unique form of sericulture involving the domestication and rearing of the Eri silkworm (Samia ricini), has become a significant source of livelihood and cultural heritage in Nalbari. The success of Eri culture can be largely attributed to the concerted efforts of the district administration, which has played a crucial role in fostering its development and sustainability. The administration has implemented several initiatives to support Eri culture, recognising its potential for economic development and cultural preservation. These initiatives included a unique integration of scheme benefits and resources, leading to positive spillovers in livelihood development.