Technical Textiles in India

Syllabus: Textile Industry

Source:  PIB

Context: India is strengthening its position as a global leader in technical textiles through strategic initiatives like the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) and state-level investments, aiming to unlock innovation, exports, and employment.

Data/Stats on Technical Textiles in India:

• Global Ranking: India is the 6th largest textile exporter with a 3.9% share in global textile trade.

E.g.: Exports include automotive, healthcare, and industrial textiles.

• Contribution to GDP: The textile sector contributes ~2% of India’s GDP, with technical textiles gaining increasing weight.
• Sectoral Growth Target: The Indian textile market is projected to reach USD 350 billion by 2030, generating 3.5 crore jobs.
• Government Funding: The NTTM was allocated ₹1,480 crore from 2020–26; ₹517 crore released, and ₹393.39 crore utilized till now.
• R&D Push: 168 R&D projects worth ₹509 crore approved under NTTM to develop new materials and market applications.

Potential of Technical Textiles in Indian Economy:

• Diverse Industrial Application: Used in automotive, construction, defence, agriculture, and healthcare sectors for enhanced functionality.

E.g.: Use of geotextiles in roads, and agro-textiles for better yield.

• Employment Generator: Expected to train and employ over 50,000 professionals in niche textile applications.
• Export Booster: Dedicated export promotion council to tap new markets and meet global demand.
• Startup Innovation: Schemes like GREAT support early-stage innovations with up to ₹50 lakh funding.

E.g.: Mahina, India’s first bonded period underwear, launched by Eicher Goodearth.

• Support for Make in India: Strong thrust on local innovation and manufacturing, aligned with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Challenges to Technical Textiles:

• Limited Awareness: End-users, especially in MSMEs, lack knowledge of technical textiles’ utility and scope.
• Skilled Workforce Gap: Shortage of trained professionals in advanced textile technologies and applications.
• High R&D Costs: Research in advanced fibres and coatings is capital intensive, limiting startup participation.
• Import Dependency: Several raw materials and machinery still need to be imported, raising production costs.
• Market Penetration Issues: Domestic market acceptance is still slow due to conservative procurement practices.

Way Ahead:

• Incentivize Domestic Manufacturing: Expand capital subsidies and tax reliefs to attract investments.

E.g.: Tamil Nadu increased spinning modernization subsidy from 2% to 6%.

• Boost Exports via FTAs: Leverage free trade agreements to reduce entry barriers for Indian tech-textile products.
• Public Procurement Mandates: Mandate use of technical textiles in government infrastructure and health projects.
• Global Collaborations: Partner with international firms for tech transfer, certifications, and co-development.
• Awareness Drives: Conduct nationwide awareness campaigns targeting industries and consumers.

Conclusion:

India’s rise in the technical textiles sector reflects a shift from traditional to functional fabrics, aligning with modern industrial needs. Through policy backing, R&D, and startup encouragement, the nation is on track to emerge as a global hub for technical textiles. With continued focus, this sector can become a cornerstone of India’s economic and export strategy.

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