The picturesque of Bodoland Territorial Council area is endowed with rich flora and fauna suitable for the production of the three varieties of natural silks viz. Eri, Muga and Mulberry. Eri culture is a part of the cultural, ethos and tradition of the Bodo community since times immemorial and some other indigenous communities also rearing Eri Silkworm since longtime.

Meanwhile Muga and Mulberry sericulture has transformed from a subsistence practice to a modern scientific enterprise in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) by growing five to six crops in a year. BTC is the largest producer of Eri raw silk in the North East India next to Assam.

Silkworm rearing and handloom weaving is an age-old tradition practice among the rural populace in BTC ushering them towards socio-economic upliftment.

Before the creation of BTC, Sericulture was considered a poor man's occupation and production of raw silk was hardly 100 MT. However, after the creation of BTC as per the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) of 10th February, 2003, sericulture was recognized as one of the most promising and sustainable ventures for economic development of the rural folk.

Thereby, a Department of Sericulture was formed exclusively to look after the activities of the silk sector in BTC.

Owing to proper vision and immaculate planning by the technocrats and the dedication of the field functionaries, the silk industry in BTC took a quantum leap in raw silk production from 100 MT to 1526.40 MT per annum.

Over the years, the Department of Sericulture, BTC has become a Resource Centre for the Sericulture sector and has emerged as a frontrunner and benchmark for Sericulture development in the entire North East India.

The Department of Sericulture, BTC has a vision to extend its sericulture activities beyond the textiles sector into other emerging fields in the near future.

This book is a humble effort to showcase the unique scope of sericulture in BTC.

Just after the establishment of the Bodoland Territorial Council on 10 February, 2003, the Department of Sericulture, BTC in association with Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India prepared a “Perspective Plan” for a period of 10 years to address all the gaps and constraints.

An Integrated Sericulture Development Project entitled “Project Thaokhri” was launched with financial assistance from Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India during the year 2004–2005 which ushered the Golden Era of Silk Industry in BTC.

Today, BTC enjoys the unique distinction of producing three varieties of silks viz. Eri, Muga and Mulberry.

Eri, Muga and Mulberry culture was introduced in a systematic way as employment and income generation opportunities amongst the rural folks of BTC from the IX Five Year Plan onwards.

Sericulture is practiced in 1658 villages out of a total of 3082 villages in BTC and 44250 sericulture farmers and families are directly involved in Sericulture activities.

After the creation of BTC, the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, has extended continuous financial support and technical guidance under Catalytic Development Programme till the end of XII Five Year Plan and was recognized as one of the most promising sustainable ventures for economic development of rural women folk.

Just after the conclusion of XII Five Year Plan, based on the potentialities, the Central Silk Board and Ministry of Textiles, Government of India sanctioned seven Projects under the North Eastern Region Textiles Promotion Scheme (NERTPS).

This included establishment of Eri Spun Silk Mill in BTC during the year 2014–15 to 2019–20 to streamline the entire Sericulture sector in BTC.

Moreover, five different projects have been implemented for development of Eri & Muga Silk Industry under Silk Samagra-2 Schemes during the year 2021–22 to 2025–26.

The incessant assistance extended by Central Silk Board and Ministry of Textiles, Government of India made a remarkable impact for overall growth of Silk Industry in BTC areas.

Production of Raw silk made a quantum jump from 100 MT in 2003–04 to 1526.40 MT during 2025–26.

The Department of Sericulture, BTC has officially launched the Bodoland Silk Logo during 2017 with an objective for brand promotion of Bodoland Silk both in National and International market.

The initiative promotes the quality and purity of natural silk produced in Bodoland and is one of the significant milestones achieved by the Department.

The Eri Silk is an enduring legacy of Bodo and other indigenous peoples of BTC. Beyond its use in textiles, Eri is deeply intertwined with the culture and traditions of the societies of this area and holds a significant place in their socio-economic life.

Eri culture is valued not only for silk but also for the protein-rich pupae, which are consumed as a traditional delicacy.

In recognition of this rich heritage, the Department of Sericulture, BTC decided to observe 1st May as Eri Day every year.

This date is especially meaningful as it coincides with International Labour Day and the Death Anniversary of Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma.

Eri Day holds immense significance as it reflects the commitment to uplifting rural communities through sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

Eri silk, also known as Endi, is famously referred to as the “fabric of peace” due to its non-violent method of production. The rearing of Eri silkworms, which thrive on castor and other host plants, has long been integrated into the rural economy, especially empowering women and stakeholder farmers.

The red variety of Eri cocoons, which are distinctive to the Kokrajhar and Chirang districts, are unique to BTC.

These cocoons are known for their natural color, texture, and high-quality yield, making them a prized component of the Eri silk tradition in these regions.

The promotion of such localized varieties through Eri Day plays a vital role in conserving biodiversity and supporting indigenous knowledge systems.

The Directorate of Sericulture, BTC has been observing 1st May as Eri Day since May 2020 by hoisting the Eri Day Flag in the morning at District, Sub-Division Offices and other institutions under the Department.

In the evening, “Diyas” are lit at their respective venues and by Seri-Farmers at their residences to mark and honour the auspicious occasion of “ERI DAY”.