Technical textiles to be promoted in India

Technical textiles or functional textiles are considered a sunrise sector in the country, according to a report in a leading daily.

Geo textiles and agro-textiles fall in the category of technical textiles. Geo textiles are permeable fabrics used in association with soil for their ability to filter. Agro-textiles are used in shading and for controlling weeds and insects, the report said.

“We are trying to promote interface with other ministries. The textiles minister has spoken to four ministers so far and will be speaking to more,” Textile Commissioner Kavita Gupta was quoted as saying in the report.

Union textiles minister Smriti Irani has spoken to agriculture, urban development, health, and surface transport ministers and is expected to have discussions with defence, railways, and heavy industries ministers too.

Government wants to create awareness to promote technical textile products. It will also ensure that their usage is mandated in at least some areas. “Development and use of products have to go up. Simultaneously, standards are being created,” Gupta said.

Technical textiles is a thrust area because of the value addition involved. “It can be used in infrastructure projects, including ports, roads, and railways, and in sectors such as agriculture. We want to promote use of textile products that will improve productivity, health standards, and infrastructure,” she said.

Functional textiles are either woven or nonwoven. The technical textiles for automobile, geo, medical, industrial, and agro purposes are being made in the country. Foreign Direct Investments are also coming in, especially for geo textiles, while there are a large number of units producing nonwoven carry bags or wipes.

Around 2,500 larger industries are involved in the manufacture of technical textile products while close to 1,000 of these have received Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme support. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India