Kokrajhar, Jan 3: Assam has inaugurated the largest Eri silk spinning mill in the Northeast, located in Baksa district. The facility, set up by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), was inaugurated by Pramod Boro, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), on Thursday. Built at an investment of nearly Rs 15 crore, the mill spans 12,916 square feet at the Integrated Textile Park in Kharuajan, Mushalpur.

With 960 ring frame spindles, the mill has a daily production capacity of 450 kg. During the event, Boro praised the mill for its potential to strengthen the rural economy, particularly by providing sustainable livelihoods for women involved in Eri silk cultivation. He also stressed the importance of industrial growth in reducing migration of youth in search of employment opportunities.

Boro acknowledged the challenges related to cocoon rearing and machinery shortages but emphasized the critical role of modern technology in overcoming these issues. The project is expected to provide direct employment to 375 individuals and offer indirect livelihood support to approximately 50,000 households. As of now, 22 people have been employed at the mill, with 54 percent of them belonging to the Boro community, according to Bidyut Bikash Rajkonwar, Chief Operating Officer of the mill.