Jogesh Deuri

Jogesh Deuri is an Indian sericulturist, researcher and administrator known for his contributions to the development and promotion of Eri silk and other indigenous silk traditions of Assam. He served in senior positions in the Government of Assam’s sericulture department and played a major role in expanding ericulture and strengthening silk-based rural livelihoods in Northeast India.

He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2026, fourth highest civilian honour of India, for his contribution to agriculture and sericulture.

Early life and education

Jogesh Deuri was born in Daranggiri in the Dudhnai subdivision of Goalpara district in the Indian state of Assam.

He completed his early schooling at Koklabari High School and later pursued higher education at Gauhati University. Deuri obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), where his research focused on sericultural practices and the potential of silk production among indigenous communities in Kokrajhar district.

Career

Deuri spent more than three decades working in the sericulture sector in Assam. He served in several senior administrative roles, including Director of Sericulture under the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).

During his tenure, he focused on modernising traditional silk production systems while preserving indigenous knowledge. His work involved technological upgrades, sustainable practices and value-chain development to improve livelihoods of rural silk farmers in Northeast India.

Deuri is credited with establishing the Integrated Bodoland Silk Park at Kokrajhar, a facility that integrates cocoon banks, spinning mills, printing units and processing units to support value addition in silk production.

He also played a role in expanding ericulture across hundreds of villages and increasing participation of women in the silk economy. According to reports, initiatives linked to his projects engaged more than 1,600 villages and significantly strengthened the eri silk value chain in Assam.

Among his initiatives was the observance of Eri Day beginning in 2019 to promote the cultural and economic importance of eri silk.

He also helped spearhead the creation of the world’s first wild Muga silk sanctuary near the Koklong forest area close to Manas National Park, aimed at conservation-linked sericulture development.

Awards and recognition

• Padma Shri – Government of India (2026) for contributions to agriculture and sericulture.
• Assam Gaurav – Government of Assam (2023) for contributions to the development of the sericulture sector and rural livelihoods.