Sericulture and Weaving in Meghalaya are the two most important cottage based, eco-friendly industries in the rural areas. These twin industries portray the cultural ethos and rich heritage of the people of the State. In the absence of a textile industry, Sericulture and Weaving can play an important role for the production of Silk fabrics and hand woven fabrics of ethnic designs. Till date around 15,900 families are involved in handloom activities and 16,000 families in Sericulture farming. The infrastructure of the Department was inherited from the earthwhile Assam Govt. and it become a full fledged Department under the Govt. of Meghalaya in the year 1979.