Piyush Goyal Leads The 6th Textile Advisory Group Meeting

During the 6th interactive meeting with the Textile Advisory Group (TAG) in Rajkot, Union Minister of Textiles, Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, and Food & Public Distribution, Mr. Piyush Goyal, reviewed the initiatives for the cotton value chain as part of the Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam, conducted under the "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" Initiative in Gujarat.

Goyal praised the progress made in the traceability, certification, and branding of Kasturi Cotton India, stressing that branding Indian Cotton would significantly enhance the entire cotton value chain. The Minister urged the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL) to promote Kasturi cotton as a premium product in domestic and international markets.

A Comprehensive Strategy to Increase Cotton Productivity

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare (MoA&FW) granted final approval for a comprehensive strategy to boost cotton productivity under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM). The US$ 5.10 million (Rs. 4186.85 lac.) plan focuses on HDPS, closer spacing, and ELS technologies. Rajasthan has completed the cluster-wise identification of villages and farmers, with work ongoing in other cotton-growing states for the upcoming cotton season 2023–2024.

Goyal also highlighted the need to improve organic cotton certification processes and encouraged the industry to promote organic cotton production among farmers. He emphasized that the quality of Indian cotton benefits both farmers and industry, as higher-quality cotton results in better market prices and demand.

Progress of Kasturi India Cotton Traceability, Certification, and Branding

Meetings of the Steering Committee and Apex Committee have taken place, project funding has been released, and work on Kasturi India Cotton Traceability, Certification, and Branding has begun. The project aims to ensure that high-quality Kasturi cotton can be easily tracked throughout the supply chain, further enhancing the value and reputation of Indian cotton in the global market.

Major Achievements of the Ministry of Textiles in FY23

1. Successful implementation of the National Technical Textiles Mission, promoting innovation and indigenous production of technical textiles. This mission helps India tap into the growing global demand for high-performance textiles, such as medical textiles, geotextiles, and agro-textiles.

2. Expansion of the Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS), incentivizing modernization and technological advancement in the textile sector. Through the ATUFS, the government provides capital subsidies to textile units, encouraging them to upgrade their machinery and adopt new technologies to improve efficiency and competitiveness.

3. Launch of the Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (MITRA) Parks to attract investment and boost the textile industry's growth. The MITRA Parks initiative aims to develop world-class infrastructure for textile production, create employment opportunities, and promote a sustainable, eco-friendly manufacturing ecosystem.

4. Enhancing the Silk Samagra scheme to improve the quality and productivity of Indian silk. The scheme includes measures to support sericulture farmers, promote research and development, and improve the marketing of silk products, both domestically and internationally.

5. Strengthening the jute sector by promoting jute-based startups and implementing mandatory packaging requirements. The government's efforts in this area are aimed at increasing the use of jute as an eco-friendly packaging material and fostering innovation in jute product manufacturing.

11 Major Textile Players in India and Worldwide

1. Vardhman Group (India): A leading textile conglomerate in India, known for its yarn, fabrics, and garments, with a strong focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability.

2. Arvind Limited (India): A prominent textile manufacturer in India, specializing in denim, advanced materials, and garments. The company has a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and vertical integration.

3. Toray Industries (Japan): A global leader in the production of synthetic fibers, plastics, and chemicals. Toray Industries is known for its cutting-edge research and development and commitment to sustainability.

4. Shandong Ruyi (China): One of the largest textile companies in China, with expertise in wool, cotton, and synthetic fibers. Shandong Ruyi has a global presence through its investments and acquisitions in the textile sector.

5. VF Corporation (USA): A worldwide apparel and footwear company, owning brands such as Vans, The North Face, and Timberland. VF Corporation focuses on innovation, sustainability, and corporate responsibility.

6. Aditya Birla Group (India): A global textile player with a focus on viscose staple fiber, spun yarn, and fabrics.

7. Reliance Industries Ltd. (India): A major player in the Indian textile industry, with a strong presence in synthetic and cotton textiles.

8. Welspun India Ltd. (India): A leading home textile manufacturer and exporter, known for its bed and bath linen products.

9. Parkdale Mills (USA): The largest consumer of raw cotton in the United States, with a focus on yarn manufacturing.

10. Sutlej Textiles (India): An integrated textile manufacturer known for its yarn, home textiles, and garments.

11. Indorama Ventures (Thailand): A global chemical producer with a strong presence in the polyester value chain.

Top 5 International Textile Manufacturing Destinations

1. China is the largest textile producer and exporter in the world, known for its cost-effective manufacturing and extensive infrastructure.

2. India is a major player in the global textile industry, known for its cotton, silk, and synthetic textiles, as well as its skilled workforce and growing technical textile sector.

3. Bangladesh is the second-largest exporter of ready-made garments in the world, driven by a low-cost workforce and favorable trade agreements with key markets.

4. Vietnam is a rapidly growing textile and apparel exporter, benefiting from a skilled labor force, competitive costs, and participation in significant trade agreements.

5. Turkey is a leading textile manufacturing destination, specializing in apparel, home textiles, and technical textiles, with a focus on high-quality products and innovation.

ThinkWith Niche End Words: Blog Conclusion

The Ministry of Textile's achievements in FY23 and the focus on initiatives like Kasturi Cotton India highlight the Indian government's commitment to promoting the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' storyline. Continued efforts to improve cotton productivity, enhance the quality of Indian textiles, and promote organic cotton production will strengthen India's position as a global textile powerhouse.