The Central Silk Board (CSB) MESSO Guwahati made a remarkable impact at Advantage Assam 2.0, attracting industry leaders, government officials, and investors. The CSB stall, which showcased India’s rich silk heritage, particularly Assam’s unique contributions to the muga and eri sericulture industry, became a major highlight of the event.
With the theme “Soil to Silk… Fashion, Tradition, Healthcare & Beyond,” the stall underscored the vast potential of Assam’s sericulture sector, not only in traditional textiles but also in biomedical applications, sustainable fashion, bioengineering, and aerospace technologies.
This exhibition reinforced Assam’s position as a hub for silk production, paving the way for new business opportunities and collaborations in the state’s thriving silk industry.
Assam’s Sericulture Legacy Showcased at Advantage Assam 2.0
At Advantage Assam 2.0, the CSB stall focused on Assam’s indigenous silk varieties—muga and eri, which are renowned for their:
- Eco-friendliness and sustainability
- Exceptional durability and luxurious texture
- Unique applications beyond textiles, including biomedical research and pharmaceuticals
Muga silk, exclusive to Assam, and eri silk, known for its sustainable and non-violent production process, were the center of attention at the stall. Experts and industry stakeholders explored their potential in healthcare, high-fashion, and bioengineering.
Key Dignitaries and Industry Leaders Visit the CSB Stall
The Central Silk Board’s exhibit attracted several high-profile visitors, including:
- UG Brahma, Minister of Sericulture, Handloom & Handicrafts
- Dhananjay Basumatary, Chief Handloom Development, BTC
- Daobaisa Boro, Executive Member, BTC
- Dharanidhar Boro, Assam Gaurav Awardee
These officials praised the innovative approach of CSB in highlighting silk’s diverse applications beyond traditional weaving.
Additionally, CSB Member Secretary attended the event as a state guest, further reinforcing the significance of Assam’s sericulture industry in India’s economic growth.
Non-Textile Applications of Silk
One of the most intriguing aspects of the stall was the discussion on non-textile applications of silk fibers, particularly in:
1. Biomedical Engineering
- Silk is being researched for use in artificial ligaments, wound dressings, and drug delivery systems.
- Assam’s muga and eri silk fibers are being studied for their biocompatibility in medical applications.
2. Pharmaceuticals and Superfoods
- Silkworm pupae, a by-product of sericulture, are rich in proteins and essential nutrients, making them a potential alternative superfood.
- These pupae also show promise in pharmaceutical research for their medicinal properties.
3. Aerospace and High-Performance Materials
- The strength and lightweight nature of silk-based biomaterials have drawn interest from aerospace engineers.
- Silk composites are being considered for sustainable and biodegradable alternatives to synthetic fibers.
The CSB stall at Advantage Assam 2.0 provided attendees with detailed insights into these futuristic applications, solidifying Assam’s position as a leader in innovative sericulture.
Business and Industry Leaders Engage with Assam’s Sericulture Potential
The stall also attracted prominent visitors, including:
- CMD of the Jute Corporation of India
- Assam Gaurav Awardee Dr. Jogesh Deuri, Retd. Director of DoS BTC
- Representatives from Lion’s Rotary Club, All India Radio, Bajaj Industries, and Casablanca Ltd.
These engagements resulted in fruitful discussions on collaborations and investments in the sericulture sector, focusing on:
- Infrastructure development for silk production
- Expanding global markets for Assam’s silk
- Boosting research into non-textile silk applications
Support from Assam’s Political Leaders for Sericulture Development
Several political leaders also visited the CSB stall, expressing their support for the growth of Assam’s silk industry:
- Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, Lok Sabha MP (Kaziranga constituency)
- Mukut Rabha, 9th APBN, Nagaon Commander
- Debashish Sharma, Commandant, Assam Police
- Atul Bora, Minister of Agriculture, Assam
Their presence and appreciation highlighted the government’s commitment to making Assam’s sericulture industry a key contributor to economic growth and employment generation.
Sericulture Experts Provide Insights on Assam’s Silk Future
Industry experts, including Dr. K. Neog, Director of CSB CMERTI, Lahdoigarh, and Thomas Basumatary, Additional Commissioner of CGST, Guwahati, also shared valuable insights on:
- Strengthening silk production infrastructure
- Enhancing the research and development (R&D) sector in sericulture
- Expanding silk-based bioengineering and biomedical applications
These discussions provided a roadmap for Assam’s silk industry, ensuring its long-term growth and global competitiveness.
Advantage Assam 2.0: A Game Changer for Assam’s Sericulture Industry
The CSB MESSO Guwahati stall at Advantage Assam 2.0 proved to be an ideal platform to showcase Assam’s sericulture sector as a crucial player in:
✅ Traditional silk weaving
✅ High-end sustainable fashion
✅ Biomedical and bioengineering advancements
✅ Pharmaceutical and superfood industries
The overwhelming response to the stall reinforced Assam’s reputation as India’s silk hub and opened new avenues for investment, innovation, and global expansion.
With the state government, industry leaders, and researchers coming together, Assam’s sericulture industry is poised for a transformational journey, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs, artisans, and scientists alike.