Eri is a indigenous yarn of Assam but unfortunately due to government apathy towards technical developments and skill upgradation weavers find it very difficult to earn from Eri fabric weaving. This has led to traditional women weavers shying away from using Eri silk.

Eri is not only a ahimsa silk but it is also very popular in international markets. Artisans can earn very well provided the market can be tapped for them.

Mulberry has been looking for support to start a weaving programme with a cluster of weavers who shall be taught to weave Eri products for international markets. The Artisans we shall work with are now cotton yarn weavers but the organisation plans to teach them to weave eri silk weaving which will lead to enhancing their income by an estimated 100%.

Mulberry believes that apart from imparting technical skills they will also have to motivate the weavers as they do not believe they can earn from weaving eri products since over the years they have lost faith in weaving as a sustainable livelihood activity.

Mulberry has already done few samples and has received very good feed back from high profile designers. The organisation intends on developing a strong market for the products by working closely with designers and gathering customer insights.

Mulberry has applied for a loan of Rs 5 lakhs that will be used to purchase yarn, manage wage repayments and also for technical development like dying of yarn.

This loan support is not just a income project but is also a challenge to revive Eri weaving as a activity amongst women in villages which will help to sustain Eri silk weaving back as a old tradition and thus prevent the dying of this art form.