SHILLONG: The Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, has identified the Geographical Indication (GI) tag awarded to Meghalaya’s traditional fabric Ryndia as one of the most significant achievements and success stories of India’s textiles sector in 2025.
Declared as the Year of Textile Reforms, the period marked a major expansion of India’s silk and sericulture sectors. The country retained its position as the world’s second-largest producer of silk, registering notable improvements across key performance indicators. Raw silk production increased to 41,121 metric tonnes in 2024–25, reflecting a 55 per cent rise from 26,480 metric tonnes in 2013–14. Silk productivity also improved by 16.75 per cent, rising from 96 kg per hectare to 112 kg per hectare during the same period.
Mulberry cocoon prices witnessed substantial growth, increasing by 46 per cent, from Rs 384 per kg in 2013–14 to Rs 560 per kg in 2024–25, providing better returns to farmers.
Employment in the sericulture sector expanded significantly, growing by 23.95 per cent from 78 lakh people in 2013–14 to 98 lakh people in 2024–25. The sector continues to play a crucial role in sustaining rural livelihoods and strengthening women’s participation in economic activities.
The GI recognition of Meghalaya’s Eri silk, Ryndia, has emerged as a landmark development, contributing to higher incomes for cocoon farmers, increased rural employment, enhanced participation of women, innovation through GI-based branding, and the promotion of sustainable and eco-friendly silk production.
This achievement underscores the Government of India’s commitment to protecting traditional textiles, empowering rural communities, and reinforcing India’s position in the global textiles and silk industry.
CLICK HERE TO ALSO WATCH VIDEO IN KHASI
