ANNOUNCEMENTS
This study examines the role of GI-tagged Eri silk from Kokrajhar, Assam, in promoting sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment through the dual lenses of the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) and Value Chain Analysis (VCA). Rooted in the traditional practices of the Bodo community, Eri silk production in the region presents a compelling intersection of cultural continuity, women’s labor, and emerging market potential. The research adopts a qualitative, exploratory case study approach, engaging over 140 stakeholders across the eri silk value chain, including rearers, spinners, weavers, traders, cooperatives, and institutional actors.
Findings reveal that while Eri silk offers resilient and dignified livelihood opportunities, especially for rural women, it remains constrained by infrastructural gaps, limited institutional support, and restricted market access. Informal labor norms, lack of exposure to modern tools and branding, and a fragmented value chain hinder the sector’s ability to scale. However, organized weaving centers, SHGs, and emerging youth entrepreneurs demonstrate promise for innovation and transformation. The study proposes thematic recommendations to strengthen institutional coordination, upgrade infrastructure, expand market linkages, and promote inclusive, gender-sensitive, and sustainable development pathways. Ultimately, it positions Kokrajhar’s Eri silk as a symbol of ethical luxury and a viable model for climate-resilient rural development when tradition and innovation are braided together.
Keywords: Eri silk, sustainable livelihoods, value chain analysis, women’s empowerment, GI tag, Kokrajhar, Bodo community, rural development, sericulture
