There was a time when eri silk was considered a fabric of royalty and elegance in the coastal district of Jagatsinghpur, Orissa State. But its popularity declined over the years affecting thousands of weavers in this part of the country.
Eri silk is a product of the eri worm, which feeds on castor plant. Since it has special thermal properties, clothes made of eri silk can keep the body warm to some extent.
About 15 years ago, for the village women and weavers in the district, eri worm rearing was a source of livelihood. The silk produced from it was used for making shirts, bedsheets, coats and mufflers.
The procedure followed was simple. The Village and Khadi Industry Board had opened eri centres at Purohitpur, Dedhasardeuli and other areas in Jagatsinghpur. These centres used to supply eri worms to the village women and weavers, who used to make 'khosa' (cotton) from it.
With the help of an 'arata' (thread handloom machine), the 'khosa' was then used to weave the silk threads.
Over the years, due to alleged misappropriation of funds and large-scale irregularities, several of the centres were closed resulting in non-supply of eri worms.
According to Dhruba Charan Behera (75), a veteran weaver of Taradapada, shortage of castor plants, destruction of the handloom machines and lack of marketing facilities have also affected the eri culture in the district.
“As a result, the younger generation is not keen on pursuing this vocation,” he explained.
Recalling the bygone days, Behera said they used to procure 2 kg 'khosa' from 500 to 700 eri worms. “For a bed-sheet, one kg thread was used and the time required was four to five days,” he added.
But the situation has changed drastically. Haramasi Dei of Dedhasardeului village, who used to earn about Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000 a month 10 years back spinning eri silk, sits idle today.
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