Raipur: In Narayanpur, a forest district in Chhattisgarh, silk development and expansion schemes are creating a new story of golden change in the lives of villagers. Under the able guidance of the district administration and collector, the mulberry and tussar silk schemes have not only opened new avenues for livelihoods locally but have also economically empowered women and youth by providing them with respectable employment in their own villages.

Today, silk production in Narayanpur is not just an agriculture-supporting activity, but has become a strong pillar of women empowerment, rural development and self-reliance.

Mulberry silk: A sustainable source of income for self-help groups

Plantations covering approximately 22.5 acres have been developed at two Mulberry centers located in Narayanpur and Kusratrai. Members of women self-help groups are rearing silkworms using advanced technologies. Against a target of 4,400 kg of cocoon production for 2025-26, a successful production of 4,180 kg was achieved. More than ₹7.72 lakh was directly transferred to the bank accounts of 47 beneficiaries involved in this activity. Along with rearing silkworms, activities such as plantation protection and weeding provided employment to the villagers throughout the year.

Tussar silk: Going beyond the target, creating a new record

Tussar silkworm rearing, conducted in an area of ​​62 hectares in the four major tussar centers of the district, Narayanpur, Kusratrai, Gotajunhari and Edka, has touched new heights of success this year. Against the target of 8.52 lakh cocoons for the year 2025-26, a bumper production of more than 9.73 lakh cocoons was recorded. This remarkable achievement earned 64 beneficiaries a direct income of approximately 36.97 lakh rupees.

Training, Transparency and Trust: Three Pillars of Success

The Silk Department is providing villagers not only resources but also timely technical guidance. Continuous technical training is being provided to protect the worms from diseases and produce quality cocoons. Direct and transparent payments for production are made directly into the beneficiaries' bank accounts, strengthening the villagers' confidence. Similarly, women from self-help groups have played a leading role in this entire process, improving the economic well-being of their families.

This model of Narayanpur proves that if proper use of local resources, administrative guidance and hard work of the villagers come together, then a new chapter of development and self-reliance can be written even in remote forest areas. In the coming times, the expansion of these schemes will not only bring more and more rural families out of poverty, but will also give Narayanpur a unique and glorious identity on the silk map of the state.