Each beneficiary to receive Rs 30,000 ** Base laid for Umsning mini stadium
Ri-Bhoi has over 7,000 eri farmers and weavers, and the government plans to support them in phases, beginning with 1,200 households across 22 clusters in five blocks.
Shillong, March 30: A major initiative to improve eri silk production and rural livelihoods was launched by Chief Minister Dr Conrad K Sangma at Umsning in Ri-Bhoi district.
The Ri Bhoi Silk Dream: E-RISE is focused on eri rearing, innovation, spinning and enterprise development in the region.
Other development projects launched by the Chief Minister include foundation stone laying for Umsning Mini Stadium and rollout of Project Aspire, an app-based coaching initiative.
Community and Rural Development Minister Sosthenes Sohtun, Umsning MLA Dr C Lyngdoh and Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem were among present on the occasion.
In his address, the Chief Minister said the projects were shaped by direct feedback from residents during earlier outreach programmes, including CM Connect interactions.
“To bring meaningful change, we must listen and connect with people. These initiatives are a result of that engagement,” he said.
Highlighting the impact of such interactions, Sangma cited a suggestion from a resident during a CM Connect programme in Bhoirymbong that led to large-scale fisheries training.
“Because of one suggestion, more than 1,600 fish farmers have now been trained,” he said.
On the E-RISE initiative, the Chief Minister said it aims to address long-standing challenges in the eri silk sector, including low productivity, lack of value addition and weak market linkages.
Ri-Bhoi has over 7,000 eri farmers and weavers, and the government plans to support them in phases, beginning with 1,200 households across 22 clusters in five blocks.
“Each beneficiary will receive support of about Rs 30,000. An investment of Rs 4.61 crore is expected to generate annual returns of around Rs 10 crore—directly benefiting farmers,” he said.
The programme focuses on improving cocoon production, enabling yarn conversion, strengthening infrastructure and promoting self-help group-led enterprises to enhance incomes.
Sangma also noted that Meghalaya’s eri silk is gaining wider recognition, mentioning that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently wore an eri silk saree from the state.
“This is a matter of pride for our farmers and shows growing recognition of our products,” he said.
The Chief Minister also laid the foundation for the Umsning Mini Stadium, a long-pending demand of local residents. The project, estimated at Rs 4.71 crore, will include a natural football turf, covered gallery, drainage and fencing.
Earlier, the Chief Minister distributed E-RISE machinery, fishing nets, financial assistance and training certificates to beneficiaries, including fish farmers trained under state programmes.
Officials said the initiatives are expected to strengthen rural livelihoods, promote local enterprise and create employment opportunities in Ri-Bhoi district.
