In a major boost to Meghalaya’s textile sector and the entrepreneurial ecosystem, Meghalaya today witnessed the inauguration of the ‘Sai Lum Eri Silk Manufacturing Unit’ at Lumdaitkhla, Bhoirymbong, Ri Bhoi district, by Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K. Sangma. Supported under PRIME Meghalaya, the initiative reflects the Government of Meghalaya’s continued commitment towards promoting sustainable livelihoods, empowering local entrepreneurs, preserving traditional knowledge systems, and creating inclusive economic opportunities across the State.
Speaking at the inaugural event, Shri Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister, stated, “Entrepreneurship has been at the core of what our government has been trying to do. We need our entrepreneurs to thrive.” Observing that there was no organised market or sector for the eri silk farmers to sell the cocoons, he saidthat Sai Lum has created an opportunity for entrepreneurs and filled the vacuum in the eri silk industry. “After seeing the kind of dedication, you have shown to the business, and how you are helping the people around you, I am motivated to support you even further.” With the establishment of the facility, the Eri farmers are now able to sell the cocoons in the State itself and get the right price for it, while weavers are able to buy the yarns at an affordable rate.
The establishment of the Sai Lum Eri Silk Manufacturing Unit represents a significant achievement for the Government of Meghalaya in its efforts to strengthen the textile and handloom sector while providing sustainable job opportunities to residents of local communities. The unit, which was founded by Shri Wallambok Pyngrope, received ₹50 lakh zero-interest support from PRIME. It now spins 20 kg of yarn per day while employing 15 locals on site, impacting the livelihoods of more than 2000 weavers.
Smti Saloni Verma, IAS, Executive Director, Meghalaya Basin Management Authority (MBMA), while addressing the gathering termed the moment a result of months of hard work and collaboration between different departments involved. “Sai Lum is not just a manufacturing unit. We know that this is a source of dignified and sustainable livelihood for all of you right here in your own land,” she stated.
Calling Wallambok Pyngrope, ‘son of this soil’, Smti Saloni Verma commended him for daring to dream for the weavers and families of Ri Bhoi district and for having the courage to build something of his own. She also stressed that MBMA and PRIME Meghalaya hope to facilitate more such meaningful ventures in the state.
Meghalaya’s Ryndia has become one of the most important indigenous textile products of the State receiving recognition at the national level for its eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and sustainable process, which does not harm the silkworms. In April 2025, Meghalaya’s traditional Ryndia received the GI tag, marking a major milestone in safeguarding Eri Silk and promoting the textile industry in the State. Eri Silk also received national attention when Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister, spoke about Ryndia at the 123rd episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ in June 2025, praising the State’s Eri silk production methods, which sustains Eri silkworms while showing respect for the region’s traditional weaving practices.
Shri Wallambok Pyngrope, Founder of Sai Lum said Meghalaya is the second-largest producer of Eri cocoon in the country, producing nearly 500 metric tonnes annually, according to the Central Silk Board (2011). Ri Bhoi has about 7,200 Eri farmers producing nearly 60 metric tonnes of cocoon annually and around 1,000 active weavers consuming approximately 33–35 metric tonnes of yarn every year. Narrating his journey, which was marked by years of financial hardship and struggle, he said, “We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, for continuously encouraging entrepreneurship, rural industries, and local manufacturing in Meghalaya.” He expressed his gratitude to the HCM for mentioning Sai Lumin the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, which motivated the Sai Lum team.
The Government of Meghalaya, under the leadership of Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister, is working to build entrepreneurship and develop rural enterprise by creating opportunities that combine traditional knowledge with market-driven growth. Over the years, the Government has maintained its commitment to reviving traditional industries while using indigenous products to drive both economic development and the protection of cultural heritage. It also places special emphasis on supporting artisans and weavers, including Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and local entrepreneurs engaged in the textile and handloom sector.
A cheque amounting to ₹35 lakhs was also handed over to Shri Wallambok Pyngrope, founder of Sai Lum, by Shri Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister, further reaffirming the Government’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs.