GUWAHATI, OCT 5: Eight Indigenous Karbi women are taking a step towards turning a fading traditional practice into a sustainable livelihood through a four-day mechanised Eri silk reeling training programme organised by Aaranyak from September 30 to October 3 at the Community Resource Centre, Chandrasing Rongpi village, under Rongmongve Block of Karbi Anglong.
Organised to promote sustainable livelihoods and rural micro-enterprises, the training focused on modernising Eri silk reeling while preserving the traditional knowledge and cultural identity associated with Eri, or Ahimsa silk, among the Karbi community.
ALSO READ When Belonging Is Not Enough: Themreichon Leisan’s ‘Homesick for Another World’
Eri silk production has been part of Karbi heritage for generations, with rearing, spinning and weaving closely woven into community life. However, the traditional practice is becoming increasingly rare. Reviving the craft and building a market-linked value chain from cocoon rearing to finished textiles can create new livelihood opportunities while keeping this cultural heritage alive.
The four-day hands-on training was conducted by Mirbon Teronpi and Madhuri Teronpi, Eri reeling experts from Diphu, Karbi Anglong, who have extensive experience and training from the Department of Sericulture, KAAC.
Participants received practical training in Eri cocoon preparation, mechanised reeling, yarn joining, winding, yarn handling, quality assessment and value addition. Particular emphasis was placed on maintaining uniform yarn thickness and improving efficiency and consistency. The women also learned about product development, costing and pricing, laying the foundation for potential micro-enterprises.
For the Karbi community, Eri silk and handwoven Eri textiles represent more than a source of income. They embody traditional knowledge, craftsmanship and cultural identity passed down across generations. The training also highlighted the close relationship between Eri-based livelihoods, local natural resources and biodiversity conservation.
Nature-based livelihood opportunities rooted in responsible use of local resources can help strengthen both community economic resilience and conservation outcomes, creating pathways for people and nature to thrive together.
Sharing her experience, Kache Rongpipi of Bakring Engti village, said, “The practical session helped us understand Eri reeling much better. We now feel more confident about machine reeling and considering Eri for livelihood.”
Kaku Rongpipi of Khailun Terang village highlighted the challenges of traditional reeling, including its slow and labour-intensive nature and difficulties in maintaining consistent yarn quality. She noted that the training demonstrated practical ways to address these challenges through mechanised reeling.
Joshna Terangpi, Project Officer, Aaranyak, who coordinated the training, said, “Eri silk culture, reeling and weaving is not merely a livelihood for the Karbi community. It holds knowledge, cultural identity and traditions passed down through generations. This endangered, climate-friendly textile practice needs timely intervention to survive and continue contributing to life, livelihood and tradition.”
The programme concluded with a post-training assessment and discussions on future enterprise opportunities, encouraging participants to transform traditional skills into sustainable, market-oriented enterprises while keeping culture and the connection with nature at the centre of development.
The training was successfully supported by Presila Terangpi, Field Volunteer, along with participants from the villages, including Margrath Terangpi and Mrs. Anjona Rongpharpi, two highly educated and influential women from the villages.
The solar-powered Eri reeling machines were supported by SELCO Foundation.
Aaranyak remains committed to conserving the rich biodiversity and natural heritage of Northeast India by supporting Indigenous peoples and local communities through alternative and sustainable livelihoods and nature-based solutions. The Natural Resource Management Programme of Aaranyak, under which this activity was undertaken, was supported by IUCN-KfW.
Disclaimer: This report is being published as received from the source. The content has not been independently verified, edited, altered, or modified by the publisher.
