ENA State 2025-07-14 15:50:40 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Assam, Jul 14 (KNN)</strong> In a significant push to strengthen Assams iconic Muga silk industry, the Lakhimpur district administration, in collaboration with the Sericulture Department, initiated a large-scale Som tree plantation drive in Phukanarhat village on Sunday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">A total of 1,500 Som saplings were planted on a 10-bigha plot as part of the initiatives first phase. The plantation aims to benefit local farmers involved in Muga silk production by ensuring a sustainable supply of leaves for silkworms.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The event saw the presence of District Commissioner Pronab Jit Kakoty, Superintendent of Police Gunendra Deka, and several officials from the sericulture department. Farmers and community members also participated enthusiastically in the drive.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Som trees are crucial for Muga silk production. This effort is not just about planting trees&mdash;its about securing the livelihoods of hundreds of farmers and preserving a cultural legacy, said DC Kakoty.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Som trees (Persea bombycina) are native to Assam and serve as the primary food source for the Muga silkworm (Antheraea assamensis), which produces the golden-hued silk unique to the region. Their evergreen nature ensures year-round leaf availability, enabling stable silkworm rearing.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Officials emphasized scientific planting techniques, including spacing and care, to ensure sapling survival and optimal leaf yield. Muga silk cannot be mass-produced without Som trees. This initiative ensures farmers have access to quality foliage, directly impacting silk output, said a sericulture official.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Muga silk, which holds Geographical Indication (GI) status, is deeply rooted in Assams heritage and identity. The plantation drive is expected to strengthen both economic and cultural dimensions of the traditional silk sector.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 42803 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/state/assam-launches-som-tree-plantation-drive-to-boost-muga-silk-industry 2025-07-14 15:50:40 knnindia.co.in