Shillong, Oct 23: A region with temperate climate, Ri-Bhoi district in Meghalaya is well known for silk weaving. There are countless weavers from the region who are responsible for making Meghalaya the second largest silk-producing state in the North East.
Weavers from Liarkhla village in Umsning region too have made significant contribution to the state’s success story.
Living there in a small house is Taimong Mynsong, whose story is one of many exemplifying strong determination and transformation.
The 39-year-old single mother of five children has woven her way from hardship to recognition, turning her inherited skill of eri silkworm rearing and weaving into a thriving livelihood.
Born into a family deeply rooted in sericulture, Taimong grew up observing her parents rear eri silkworms and weave traditional shawls. “I learned everything from my parents,” she says, “but back then, it was difficult to make it sustainable without proper training or facilities.” With just two acres of land, she initially struggled to maintain regular production and income.
Meghalaya ranks as the second largest silk-producing state among the North-Eastern states of India. The state is renowned for the cultivation and production of mulberry, eri, and muga silk, with sericulture activities spread across all the districts.
The state’s contribution to India’s total raw silk production stands at 1,176 metric tonnes (MT)—with a substantial output in eri silk (1,069 MT) and muga silk (42 MT).
Taimong’s fortunes began to change in 2014, when she received formal training in eri silkworm rearing, enabling her to adopt scientific practices that improved cocoon production and quality. In 2016, she undertook weaving training, which helped her refine her craftsmanship and diversify her income. Her biggest breakthrough came through the Silk Samagra-II scheme of the Central Silk Board, under which she received a modern rearing house. This allowed her to conduct six to seven rearing cycles a year, supported by her castor and tapioca plantations that provide feed throughout the year.
Today, Taimong earns over Rs 1.8 lakh annually, balancing sericulture and weaving seamlessly. Her eri shawls—soft, durable, and eco-friendly—carry both cultural heritage and personal triumph. “The training and support I received changed everything,” she says. “Now, I can produce more, earn better, and take care of my children. I hope other women in my village also take up this work and become self-reliant.”
Her remarkable journey was honoured when Taimong Mynsong received the “Best Achiever Award” during the 76th Foundation Day Celebration of the Central Silk Board, at Bengaluru recently.
