The Union Ministry of Textiles has spotlighted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag granted to Meghalaya's traditional 'Ryndia' fabric as one of the most significant triumphs for India's textile industry in 2025. Declared the 'Year of Textile Reforms', this period marked substantial growth in the nation's silk and sericulture domains, according to an official release.
Ryndia's GI Recognition: A Catalyst for Rural Transformation
The official statement emphasized that the GI recognition for Meghalaya's eri silk, known locally as ryndia, has become a landmark achievement. This move has directly resulted in higher incomes for cocoon farmers and created more rural employment opportunities. It has also spurred greater involvement of women in the workforce, encouraged innovation through specialized branding, and promoted sustainable, eco-friendly silk production methods.
"This recognition underscores the Government of India’s commitment to safeguarding traditional textiles, empowering rural communities, and reinforcing India’s standing in the global textiles and silk industry," the statement added.
India Cements Its Position as Global Silk Power
The ministry confirmed that India has maintained its status as the world’s second-largest producer of silk. The sector showed remarkable improvement across all key performance indicators during the reform year.
Raw silk production soared to 41,121 metric tonnes in the 2024–25 period. This figure represents a massive 55 per cent increase from the 26,480 metric tonnes produced in 2013–14. Productivity also saw a healthy jump of 16.75 per cent, rising from 96 kg per hectare to 112 kg per hectare over the same timeframe.
Financially, the benefits reached the grassroots. The price of mulberry cocoons witnessed substantial growth, climbing by 46 per cent from Rs. 384 per kg in 2013–14 to Rs. 560 per kg in 2024–25.
Employment Surge and Women's Empowerment
The sericulture sector's expansion translated directly into more jobs. Employment grew by 23.95 per cent, from 78 lakh people in 2013–14 to 98 lakh people in 2024–25. The ministry highlighted that the sector continues to play a vital role in sustaining rural livelihoods and significantly enhancing women's participation in formal economic activities.
The story of Ryndia's GI tag, therefore, is not just about preserving a cultural heritage but is a proven model for driving economic development, sustainability, and inclusive growth in India's heartlands.
