Pragma Ventures: Reviving Silk Farming and Silk Weaving

AFFILIATION
Pochi

DESCRIPTION 
This project's aim was twofold – to revitalize the silk industry in Myanmar through targeted work at the mulberry farm gate, and to bring into focus the artisanal heritage of Burmese hand-loomed silk weaving. 

Silk farming in the Chin state of northern Myanmar creates sustainable livelihoods for increasing numbers of farmers in some of the country's poorest areas, offering work with dignity to disadvantaged women. Weavers come for training at the studio in Yangon and return home with combinations of threads of silks from Chin state, lotus silk from Shan, high-quality imported silks and the best of Burmese cotton to weave unique and authentic textiles, fabrics and accessories. These artisanal designs regenerate and reimagine designs from Myanmar’s heritage. 
 

20230627_Reviving Silk Farming and Silk Weaving_1

 

Beneficiaries

  • Local farmers and weavers in Chin State;  
  • Economic growth in the region, one of the most deprived areas in Myanmar. 

Outputs

  • Mulberry harvests; 

  • Chin silk produced and reeled Chin silk; 

  • Hand-woven products for sale and export;

  • Workshop and training materials developed for farmers and weavers in sericulture and silk weaving;

  • More than 100 cotton weavers trained in silk weaving;

  • Continuation of natural dye and design training for loom set up.

Outcomes

  • New skills gained and knowledge increased: silk weaving, mulberry agriculture, silkworm rearing, design, product development, and marketing; 

  • Economic opportunities improved.