The significance of carbon fibres in the textile industry has urged India to concentrate on all 12 verticals of technical textiles.Â
Giriraj Singh, Textile minister, has highlighted that focusing on technical textiles and diversifying products can enhance the textile value chain and boost income generation for weavers and their families.
During the inauguration of the Special Handloom and Handicraft Exhibition-cum-Sale at the 43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) in New Delhi, he stressed the significance of carbon fibres in the textile industry and urged India to concentrate on all 12 verticals of technical textiles.
The minister referred to the primary applications of technical textiles, which encompass transport, medical and hygiene, industrial products, agriculture, horticulture and fishing, home textiles, clothing components, packaging, construction materials, geotextiles, sports and leisure, protection and safety, and ecological protection.
He noted that the government has allocated Rs 15 billion for research and development in technical textiles and encouraged the handloom sector to fully utilise these resources.
Singh also pointed out that India possesses the largest sustainable and energy-efficient handloom ecosystem globally. He highlighted the handloom industry’s zero-carbon footprint, minimal energy usage, and negligible water consumption, positioning it as a global leader in sustainable production.
The on-going Special Handloom and Handicraft Exhibition at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi features 206 stalls showcasing diverse handloom and handicraft products from 27 states. Six exclusive stalls focus on tribal textiles under the theme ‘Tribal Treasures of Indian Textiles,’ along with live demonstrations of traditional crafts such as the Kani shawl (Jammu & Kashmir), Tangaliya/Kutchi shawl (Gujarat), Kullu/Kinnauri shawl (Himachal Pradesh), Loin loom weaving (Manipur and Nagaland), Horn and Bone craft (Uttar Pradesh), Bhagalpuri silk (Bihar), and Bagh print (Odisha).
The exhibition also facilitates business-to-business (B2B) interactions between retailers, brands, and handloom weavers.
Singh emphasised that the handloom and handicraft sector is an integral part of India’s cultural heritage, providing direct and indirect livelihoods to 35 lakh people, making it the second-largest employment generator after agriculture. He added that each region’s unique weaving and crafting traditions reflect the country’s rich diversity.