Union Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh, announced that the textiles industry in India is poised for significant growth, projecting a market value of US$350 billion by the year 2030, which is expected to generate millions of employment opportunities in the process. During a press conference held in New Delhi to highlight the 100-day achievements of the Ministry, the Minister emphasized that these initial accomplishments establish a solid foundation for achieving the ambitious goals set for 2030, addressing every aspect of the textiles value chain.
Setting a long-term target of producing 50,000 metric tonnes, Singh highlighted the critical link between silk cultivation and employment generation, noting that approximately 10 million individuals are connected to this sector. He introduced the Eri Sericulture Promotional Project, initially launched in Gujarat, which aims to expand its reach nationwide, thereby benefiting castor farmers across the country.
Focusing on the PM MITRA (Pradhan Mantri Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) Park initiative, the Union Minister revealed that an estimated investment of ₹70,000 crores is anticipated, which is projected to create around 2.1 million jobs. He stated that Bharat Tex will serve as a significant platform for attracting foreign investment in the textiles sector and will aid India in achieving the four key objectives of style, scale, skill, and sustainability.
Singh remarked on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing emphasis on the importance of design in the textile industry, asserting that the National Institute of Fashion Technology plays a pivotal role in this regard. He also introduced VisioNxt, an indigenous initiative focused on trend forecasting, which is designed to cater to the fashion aspirations of the Indian populace.
The Minister further pointed out the vast potential for technical textiles within the country, highlighting its applications across diverse sectors and setting an export target of US$10 billion by 2030. He noted that around 10 million artisans are involved in the handloom and handicraft sectors, and the Ministry is implementing various initiatives to provide a boost to this vital area.
Accompanying the Minister at the press conference were Minister of State Pabitra Margherita, Textiles Secretary Rachna Shah, and other senior officials from the Ministry. As part of the Government’s transformative vision for the textiles sector, numerous initiatives have been undertaken during the first 100 days of this administration, encompassing all segments of the textile industry, including infrastructure, technical textiles, research and development, startups, empowerment of artisans and weavers, and bolstering natural fibre sectors such as silk and jute.
These efforts are focused on strengthening the sector’s contribution to economic growth and enhancing India’s position in the global textile market. The Skilling Programme in 100 Handloom and Handicrafts Clusters was launched on July 27, 2024, through the ‘Bunkar and Karigar Utthan Upskilling Programme.’ This initiative aims to enhance the technical and soft skills of artisans and handloom weavers.
Approximately 3,600 artisans and weavers have benefited from this program, receiving certificates and toolkits designed to improve their craftsmanship and market competitiveness. The program is strategically aimed at addressing the current demand and design needs of the market. On August 7, 2024, the Ministry celebrated the 10th National Handloom Day, an event intended to raise awareness about the handloom industry’s vital role in the Indian economy.
During this celebration, the Vice-President presented five Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and 17 National Handloom Awards. Several related programs were conducted, including handloom exhibitions, awareness initiatives targeted at students, a handloom sourcing show, and various social media campaigns across the country. The ‘Shilp Didi Mahotsav 2024’ was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Textiles on August 22, 2024, marking a fortnight-long marketing event dedicated to the Shilp Didi Programme at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi.
This initiative represents a significant advancement in empowering women artisans by equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to enhance their businesses and achieve financial independence. The Shilp Didis had the opportunity to showcase their crafts at Dilli Haat from August 16 to August 31, 2024. The goal of this Mahotsav was to provide marketing opportunities, including an e-commerce presence, to help increase their incomes under the program.
On August 8, 2024, a new Textile Gallery was inaugurated at the Crafts Museum by the Union Minister of Textiles. This gallery showcases a rich array of techniques and weaves, including embroidery, block printing, resist-dyed fabrics, brocades, and kalamkari, as well as recent innovations in textile craftsmanship. Additionally, on September 13, 2024, the Craft Tourism Village in Mahewa, Naini, Prayagraj, and a Common Facility Center (CFC) for terracotta craft in Phaphamau, Prayagraj, were inaugurated.
These infrastructure projects are designed to support traditional artisans in Uttar Pradesh, promote sustainable livelihoods, and improve the socio-economic status of artisans in identified clusters. The CFC aims to enhance terracotta production by providing artisans access to modern technology, raw materials, and facilities at reduced costs, thereby benefiting over 1,000 artisans.
The Eri Sericulture Promotional Project was launched in Gujarat on August 10, 2024, as a key initiative to encourage castor-growing farmers to adopt sericulture as an additional income-generating activity. This project aims to expand Eri culture in Gujarat, which is abundant in castor plants. The Central Silk Board, under the Ministry of Textiles, launched this project in collaboration with Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University (SDAU) and the Kalyan Foundation in Palanpur.
The Platinum Jubilee Celebrations for the Central Silk Board were held on September 20-21, 2024, with the participation of approximately 5,000 stakeholders from the silk value chain representing various states. The silk sector has witnessed remarkable growth over the past 75 years, with raw silk production increasing from 1,242 metric tonnes in 1949 to over 39,000 metric tonnes in 2023, making India the second-largest producer of silk globally.
During the main function on September 20 in Mysuru, several commemorative items were released, including a documentary video, a commemorative coin, a coffee table book, and a postal cover. Additionally, new mulberry varieties and silkworm hybrids were introduced, alongside new technologies, and 13 books, three manuals, and one Hindi magazine dedicated to sericulture were published.
The Silk Mark India (SMOI) website was officially launched, and significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the Central Silk Board and prominent institutions to enhance collaborative efforts in sericulture research and training.
A new Pricing Methodology for Jute Sacking Bags was approved by the government on August 28, 2024, based on a study conducted by the Tariff Commission. This new methodology is expected to provide better pricing for jute mills, benefiting approximately 400,000 jute mill workers and 4 million farming families involved in jute cultivation, primarily in West Bengal.
This initiative will facilitate investments in the jute industry for modernization and diversification, aligning with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by promoting domestic jute production and supporting environmental sustainability through the use of biodegradable and renewable jute.
On September 5, 2024, the Ministry introduced VisioNxt, an innovative fashion trend insight and forecasting system that leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emotional Intelligence (EI). This initiative aims to provide weavers, manufacturers, startups, and retailers with precise trend forecasts to support their operations. VisioNxt has developed a comprehensive web portal, a bilingual fashion trend book available in both Hindi and English, and a detailed taxonomy e-book.
These resources are designed to be user-friendly and offer valuable insights and trends that can assist industry professionals in navigating the ever-evolving fashion landscape. On September 4, 2024, the curtain was raised for Bharat Tex 2025, a major global textile event aimed at promoting India as a leading destination for sourcing and investment in textiles. The Ministry unveiled the event’s website and brochure, anticipating participation from over 5,000 exhibitors, 6,000 international buyers from 110 countries, and more than 120,000 visitors, making it one of the largest global textile showcases.
The event will build on the tremendous success of its previous edition in 2024 and is centered around the themes of resilient global value chains and sustainability in textiles, attracting top policymakers, global CEOs, international exhibitors, and buyers. From September 6-7, 2024, the Ministry hosted an International Conference on Technical Textiles, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, state governments, line ministries, and international stakeholders to discuss the future of technical textiles.
The conference aimed to promote indigenous products and explore new markets for technical textiles in both domestic and export segments. In a bid to foster innovation in the technical textiles sector, the Ministry approved 11 startup proposals under the Grant for Research and Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT) initiative, part of the National Technical Textiles Mission. Each startup is eligible for support of up to ₹50 lakhs under this scheme.
These startups focus on pioneering fields such as composites, medical textiles, smart textiles, and sustainable textiles, contributing to job creation and reducing reliance on imports. The foundation stone for the PM MITRA Park in Amravati, Maharashtra, was laid by the Honorable Prime Minister on September 20, 2024. This expansive 1,000-acre park is designed to integrate the textile industry, including manufacturing, research, and development, while fostering a comprehensive ecosystem for textile production and innovation.
Once fully operational, the park is projected to create approximately 1.5 lakh direct and indirect jobs. In addition to these key initiatives, the Ministry of Textiles has also made strides in various areas, including the revival of the National Institute of Fashion Technology’s (NIFT) regional centers, the expansion of the Handloom Export Promotion Council, and the promotion of the Geographical Indications (GI) registration of traditional textiles. The government is actively working to increase investments in the textiles sector and enhance global competitiveness through innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation.
The achievements outlined above highlight the Government’s commitment to fostering the growth of the textiles sector, which is poised to play a vital role in India’s economy by enhancing export capabilities, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable practices. With a comprehensive approach to address the needs of all stakeholders, the Ministry of Textiles aims to position India as a global leader in textiles and allied sectors by 2030.
