Shillong, August 21: In the picturesque hills of West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, a remarkable success story is emerging from the traditional yet economically promising sector of Muga sericulture. Shri Nekhu Momin, a progressive and energetic Muga farmer from Nongrathaw Village, Mawshynrut Sub-Division, has demonstrated how dedication, experience, natural resource utilisation and technical knowledge can transform Muga rearing into a sustainable and rewarding livelihood.
Shri Nekhu Momin, who comes from a family background associated with agriculture, sericulture and farming, has been practising Muga rearing for more than a decade. Through continuous effort and practical experience, he has emerged as one of the successful Muga farmers in West Khasi Hills and has also become an important supplier of Muga seed to commercial rearers in the region.
His journey to success was not without challenges. During the early stages, Shri Momin faced financial difficulties in procuring seed and challenges in transporting cocoons for marketing.
However, his determination to succeed encouraged him to learn from other successful Muga farmers who shared their knowledge and practical experience with him. This farmer-to-farmer learning played an important role in strengthening his rearing practices and improving his production.
He has also made effective use of the locally available Soalu host plants and the favourable climatic conditions of West Khasi Hills. The local microclimate provides suitable conditions for larval development and contributes to improved crop survival and productivity.
The success of progressive farmers like Shri Nekhu Momin is further strengthened through capacity building, field-level technical guidance and scientific extension support.
During the ECP programme, Shri Mahasankar Majumdar, Scientist-C, Central Silk Board, MESSO, P-4 Unit, Mendipathar, provided technical support and guidance to farmers on scientific Muga rearing practices. His technical intervention helped farmers understand improved approaches to Muga crop management, encouraging the adoption of better practices for sustainable production.
Shri Nekhu Momin had also participated in the Capacity Building Training (CBT) programme conducted by MESSO, Central Silk Board, and State Sericulture Department, Govt. of Meghalaya which contributed to strengthening his knowledge and skills in Muga rearing.
The results of Shri Momin’s dedication are reflected in his production and income. With 500 DFLs, he records approximately 35500 nos cocoon yield per crop, generating around ₹2,13,000 per crop. His reported annual income from Muga sericulture is approximately ₹6,39,500.
These achievements demonstrate the potential of Muga sericulture as a sustainable livelihood and rural enterprise, particularly in areas where favourable climatic conditions and host plants are naturally available.
Shri Momin’s contribution extends beyond his own farm. As a successful Muga farmer and supplier of Muga seed to commercial rearers, he is contributing to the wider development of sericultural activities in the region. His journey also highlights the importance of knowledge sharing among farmers and the role of experienced farmers in encouraging others to take up improved sericulture practices.
Speaking about the importance of Muga rearing in his life, Shri Nekhu Momin said:
“Muga Rearing has been helpful to me in many ways. It has been a significant source of income through which I am able to provide for daily necessities.”
The success story of Shri Nekhu Momin sends a strong message to the youth of Meghalaya that Muga sericulture can be more than a traditional occupation—it can become a viable enterprise, a source of income and a pathway towards self-reliance.
His journey from facing initial difficulties to becoming a successful farmer and Muga seed supplier is a powerful example of how determination, local resources, farmer-to-farmer learning and technical support can come together to create sustainable rural livelihoods.
The story of Shri Nekhu Momin is truly a story of “Golden Silk, Golden Future” where every cocoon represents hard work, every harvest represents hope, and every successful farmer becomes an inspiration for the next generation.
He Started with a Dream. He Nurtured It with Nature. He Strengthened It with Knowledge.He Harvested It with Hard Work. And Today, His Success Inspires Others.”
Shri Nekhu Momin is not merely rearing Muga silkworms—he is nurturing a livelihood, strengthening the Muga value chain and inspiring a new generation of farmers to believe in the golden potential of sericulture.
