Citation:

Daisy Konwar, Rantu Hazarika, Amarjyoti Mahanta. "Understanding Constraints in Muga Sericulture: A Comparative Analysis of Producer Perceptions in Assam, India" International Research Journal of Economics and Management Studies, Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 69-83, 2026. Crossref. http://doi.org/10.56472/25835238/IRJEMS-V5I3P111

Abstract:

Muga silk, a unique non-mulberry silk produced in Assam, plays an important role in rural livelihoods but faces several production and market-related challenges. This study examines the key constraints faced by Muga producers and how these vary across different groups. Using primary data from 798 producers in Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts, the study applies the Garrett ranking technique and independent samples t-tests as analytical tools. The findings show that pest and disease attacks and seasonal risks are the most serious constraints, followed by issues related to input quality and technical knowledge, as perceived by the respondents. Financial and infrastructural challenges are perceived to be of moderate concern, while labour shortage and low price are perceived to be relatively less severe. The results also reveal clear differences across producer groups: integrated producers, who are involved in both cocoon and fabric production, face greater challenges related to inputs, pest and disease attack, storage, and finance due to higher capital and quality requirements, while non-integrated producers, who are involved only in cocoon production, are more affected by labour shortages, low prices, inadequate market access and limited technical knowledge. Training is found to reduce the severity of technical constraints, although access remains uneven. Overall, the study highlights that constraints are not uniform but vary with production roles and resource access, pointing to the need for more targeted and context-specific policy support.

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Keywords:

Muga Sericulture, Production Constraints, Value Chain Integration.