Muga Silkworm Rearing of Assam

Muga silk is the golden silk of Assam produced by the Antheraea assamensis silkworm that feeds exclusively on the leaves of som (Machilus bombycina) and sualu (Litsea citrata) trees growing in Assam. The silk has a natural golden lustre that deepens with age and washing — unlike any other silk in the world. Muga sericulture is practiced primarily in Jorhat, Sivasagar, Golaghat, and Dhemaji districts. Rearing is outdoor (on host trees rather than in trays), exposing cocoons to weather. A single muga rearing cycle takes 30 to 40 days. Assam produces over 95 percent of world muga silk. The silk received GI certification. The Central Muga Eri Research and Training Institute at Jorhat supports sericulture cooperatives. Muga sarees are worn by Assam brides and are considered sacred. Export of muga fabric and garments is growing. Climate change and host tree depletion threaten this irreplaceable silk tradition.