इन्दि एमफौ (Indi emphou)

The conducive environment of the Northeast India with its unique climatic conditions, topography and soil has made the region home for sericigenous insects for the production of silk and their food plants are native to the region. Out of the 4 silkworms prevalent in Assam, eri worm yields the cheapest yarn and it is the widely spreading hardiest species among the commercially exploited silkworms. The ‘eri’ worm derives its name from the Assamese word ‘era’ or Castor plant (Ricinus communis) on which eri worm normally feeds. The Brahmaputra valley of Assam and its adjoining foot hills in the sub- Himalayan belt is believed to be the native place of eri. Eri silkworm (Samia ricini) is a multivoltine and polyphagous in nature feeding on a number of host plants. Castor is the primary food plant while other include Kesseru, Topioca/Cassava, Payam, Papaya etc. Eri culture is an age old agro-based small scale industry of the region. It is purely a traditional and leisure time occupation which is practiced to meet the partial need of warm clothing. Moreover, eri pupae are popular delicacy among the Bodos and consumed in various forms. Around 1.32 lakhs families of Assam are involved in Eri culture (Department of Sericulture, Assam Report). This is not simply a traditional sericulture activity of the region but it contributes a major role in the sustainable livelihood for rural people.