Shillong, May 11: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday inaugurated Meghalaya’s first Eri Silk Yarn Manufacturing Unit, “Sai Lum Eri Silk Manufacturing Unit,” at Lumdaitkhla in Bhoirymbong, Ri Bhoi district.
The unit, supported under PRIME Meghalaya, aims to strengthen the textile and handloom sector while promoting sustainable livelihoods, entrepreneurship and indigenous weaving traditions in the state.
Addressing the inaugural programme, the Chief Minister said entrepreneurship remains one of the core priorities of the Meghalaya government and stressed the need to support local entrepreneurs.
“Entrepreneurship has been at the core of what our government has been trying to do. We need our entrepreneurs to thrive,” Sangma said.
He noted that earlier there was no organised market for Eri silk farmers to sell cocoons and said the Sai Lum unit has filled a major gap in the industry by creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs, farmers and weavers.
“With the establishment of the facility, the Eri farmers are now able to sell the cocoons in the State itself and get the right price for it, while weavers are able to buy the yarns at an affordable rate,” he stated.
The manufacturing unit was founded by entrepreneur Wallambok Pyngrope and received ₹50 lakh zero-interest financial support from PRIME Meghalaya. The facility currently produces around 20 kilograms of yarn daily and provides employment to 15 local residents while benefiting more than 2,000 weavers.
Executive Director of the Meghalaya Basin Management Authority (MBMA), Saloni Verma, described the project as the outcome of extensive collaboration between various departments and stakeholders.
“Sai Lum is not just a manufacturing unit. We know that this is a source of dignified and sustainable livelihood for all of you right here in your own land,” she said.
Verma also praised founder Wallambok Pyngrope for his efforts to support local weavers and build a sustainable rural enterprise in Ri Bhoi district.
The press release highlighted that Meghalaya’s traditional Ryndia fabric has gained national recognition for its eco-friendly and cruelty-free silk production process. In April 2025, Meghalaya’s Ryndia received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, marking a major milestone for the state’s textile sector.
The release further noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also mentioned Meghalaya’s Ryndia silk during an episode of “Mann Ki Baat” in June 2025, praising the state’s traditional weaving practices and sustainable Eri silk production methods.
Founder Wallambok Pyngrope stated that Meghalaya is currently the second-largest producer of Eri cocoon in the country, producing nearly 500 metric tonnes annually.
According to him, Ri Bhoi district alone has around 7,200 Eri farmers producing nearly 60 metric tonnes of cocoon every year and approximately 1,000 active weavers consuming 33–35 metric tonnes of yarn annually.
During the programme, the Chief Minister also handed over a cheque of ₹35 lakh to Wallambok Pyngrope, reaffirming the government’s continued support for local entrepreneurs and rural industries.
