4-M framework: Laying the foundation for India’s leadership in technical textile
Technical Textiles has the potential of reaching $ 200 billion market by 2047 and dedicated technical textiles park based on the 4-M framework can be a game changer, says Virendra Singh, Secretary Textiles, Government of Maharashtra.
India holds a prominent position in the global textiles sector, as a key player in both production and export. Renowned for its rich textile heritage, diverse craftsmanship, and robust manufacturing infrastructure, India consistently contributes significantly to the world textile market. Traditionally, India was a leader in the textiles space with prominent historians such as Romesh Chunder Dutt estimating that India had about 24 per cent of the global market share till the early 18th century before British colonisation set in. The country is now making significant strides in regaining its leadership position as well as diversifying its presence within the textile industry by venturing into sunrise sectors, with a particular focus on technical textiles. Globally, the technical textiles market holds huge potential and is estimated to reach $ 274 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.2 per cent in FY 2022-27.
The Indian technical textiles market is the fifth largest in the world and the country has demonstrated a keen interest in harnessing its technological capabilities and innovative prowess to tap into the potential of this sector. This move is driven by the growing global demand for specialised textile products with advanced functionalities, ranging from medical textiles and smart textiles to industrial applications. This sector possesses the capacity to generate high-value employment opportunities, spanning roles from research and development to manufacturing and sales which was seen during the pandemic where in very little time the country became the second largest manufacturer of PPE kits after China.
Technical Textiles segment in India has the potential for ten-fold growth by 2047, and to harness it, a collaborative effort of Government (both Central and State) and private sector would be essential. The Central Government has come up with various policy initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive scheme, PM-Mega Integrated Textiles and Apparel Park (PM-MITRA), development of new HSN Codes, extensive research, and the launch of the National Technical Textile Mission giving thrust to this sector.
Government of Maharashtra has recognised the importance of technical textiles and the recently declared Integrated and Sustainable Textile Policy 2023-28 has come up with the first-of-its-kind initiative of setting up 6 technical textile parks. This is an important step, as technical textiles make up 30% pe cent of the total exports in the textiles segment and needs a dedicated and sustained effort and push, which these parks would be able to accord.
The concept of the technical textiles park is centred on the 4-M framework within the park, encompassing Manpower, Machines, Materials, and Marketing. These 4 M are important to create an environment that not only attracts businesses but also promotes targeted and sustainable economic growth.
Skilled manpower will be an important driver for this sector to grow. It is estimated that an average of 7 out of every 10 employees in this industry possess rudimentary education or are semi-literate. Consequently, they encounter limitations in further advancing their skillsets or contributing to the sector’s growth beyond a certain threshold. Hence, it is imperative to prioritise the development of sub-sector specific training programs. Recognising the significance of a skilled workforce, the state policy specifies for a technical textile park to meet the eligibility requirements, it must incorporate a training centre. The park will also conduct specialised training programs across the value chain, following a state-specific strategy to deter workforce migration to other sectors.
As the country advances with initiatives like PLI, Make in India, and PM MITRA Parks, it is imperative to place emphasis on the production of machine tools and textile machinery. Capital investment will be a pivotal catalyst for growth in India’s quest to become a textile industry leader. Many of the machinery and equipment required for this segment are imported at present and therefore there is significant scope for Make in India. The state textile policy provides incentives for fixed capital investment in plant and machinery, further bolstering this endeavour for MSMEs, Large, Mega and Ultra Mega Units.
Additionally, technical textiles are performance textiles and can be raw material for various industries along with their applications across diverse sectors, such as aerospace, agriculture, construction, marine, medical, military, safety, and transportation. This segment constitutes approximately 40% of the entire textile fiber industry and represents the fastest-growing sector within the global textiles and apparel domain. The State will support such industries within the park for the development of a holistic ecosystem for the sector providing forward and backward linkages.
The state will provide marketing support as it plays a crucial role in the success of technical textiles by connecting manufacturers with customers, showcasing innovations, and conveying the unique attributes of these specialized products. It is a key component of growth and competitiveness in this industry.
It is worth highlighting that the State government’s ambitious programs and initiatives will play a pivotal role in establishing Maharashtra as a leading global centre for Technical Textiles and in building a strong and resilient manufacturing sector within the country. The park’s comprehensive infrastructure improvements, combined with access to skilled and cost-effective labour, a focus on research and development, and robust manufacturing capabilities, will collectively position Maharashtra as an increasingly attractive investment destination. The 4-M framework can be adopted by any other State which is looking at promoting technical textiles and can become a differentiating factor for our country in securing competitive advantage at the global stage.
About the author:
Virendra Singh is a 2006 Batch IAS officer from Maharashtra cadre currently serving as Secretary (Textiles), Co-operation, Marketing and Textiles Department, Government of Maharashtra since November 2022. Prior to this, he has held a number of posts and responsibilities in the states of Maharashtra and Rajasthan. His previous assignments include Commissioner, Medical Education and Research; Commissioner, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; Municipal Commissioner, Nagpur and Commissioner and Director, Municipal Administration. He has also served as District Collector and District Magistrate, Aurangabad; Director, Information Technology Maharashtra and District Collector and District Magistrate, Sindhudurg. In addition, he has also served as Chief Executive Officer at Zilla Parishad Solapur and Beed.
