Nongpoh, Mar 30: The government of Meghalaya has embarked on a transformative journey to bolster its eri-silk economy through the launch of the ₹4.61 crore E-Rise programme.
This programme was unveiled in Ri-Bhoi today and aims to amplify the income of eri-silk farmers. With a focus on translating citizen feedback into immediate action, the E-Rise initiative encapsulates a commitment to enhancing rural livelihoods.
At the core of the E-Rise initiative lies a strategic value-chain intervention targeting 1,200 farming households across 22 clusters. Each beneficiary will be equipped with high-yielding feed plants (castor and tapioca), ₹17,000 support for climate-resilient rearing houses enabling 4–6 rearing cycles annually. Additionally, farmers will receive electric spinning machines worth ₹11,000 that promise increased productivity, along with dedicated training facilities.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the E-Rise initiative not only addresses immediate demands from farmers but is also poised to create significant economic impact. By adding value to their silk within the district, the intervention is projected to generate an annual value of ₹9.36 crore, he said.
According to Sangma, feedback from farmers revealed that cocoons were being sold at around ₹700, while value-added yarn fetched ₹3,000–₹3,500 in markets outside the state. “This feedback that we got ultimately allowed us to come up with the E-Rise program,” he added
Emphasising the scale of impact, he added that with over 7,000 farmers engaged in textile and farming activities in Ri-Bhoi, the intervention would ensure that value addition happens within the district itself.
He also launched Project ASPIRE (Accelerating Student Potential through Interactive & Remote Education), a ₹1.57 crore initiative supported by NITI Aayog, to provide 24×7 academic support, career guidance, and competitive exam preparation for students and youth.
Additionally, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Natural Football Turf at Umsning Sports & Cultural Club playground at Patarim, which will be developed with proper infrastructure and mini stadium at an estimated cost of ₹4.71 crore.
