Meghalaya: Ryndia GI tag among Textile Ministry’s top success stories of 2025

Guwahati: The Ministry of Textiles has identified the Geographical Indication (GI) tag accorded to Meghalaya’s traditional eri silk fabric, ryndia, as one of the standout achievements of India’s textiles sector in 2025, citing its contribution to rural livelihoods and sustainable production practices.

The ministry highlighted the development during the Year of Textile Reforms, a phase marked by significant expansion in the silk and sericulture segments. India continued to rank as the world’s second-largest producer of silk, with raw silk output increasing to 41,121 metric tonnes in 2024–25 from 26,480 metric tonnes in 2013–14, registering a growth of 55 per cent. Productivity also rose during the period, with yields improving from 96 kg per hectare to 112 kg per hectare.

Officials said higher production translated into better returns for farmers, with mulberry cocoon prices climbing 46 per cent—from Rs 384 per kg in 2013–14 to Rs 560 per kg in 2024–25.

The sericulture sector also recorded a sharp rise in employment, expanding by nearly 24 per cent from 78 lakh people in 2013–14 to around 98 lakh in 2024–25. The growth reaffirmed the sector’s role in strengthening rural economies and enhancing women’s participation in income-generating activities.

According to the ministry, the GI recognition of ryndia played a significant role in driving these outcomes by improving incomes for cocoon farmers, generating rural employment, increasing women’s involvement, and encouraging innovation through GI-based branding. The tag has also promoted environmentally sustainable and eco-friendly silk production.

The ministry said the progress associated with ryndia reflects a broader policy thrust to safeguard traditional textiles, empower local communities, and reinforce India’s position in the global textiles and silk industry.