Rs 1,480 Cr Allotted To NTTM To Drive Technical Textiles Growth

New Delhi, April 1 (KNN) To accelerate the development of technical textiles, Rs 1,480 crore has been allotted to the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) for the period 2020-21 to 2025-26.

While traditional textiles continue to play a vital role, the emergence of technical textiles is fundamentally transforming the industry landscape.

These specialised fabrics, which prioritise functionality over aesthetics, serve diverse industries including automotive, construction, agriculture, healthcare, and safety sectors.

Technical textiles enhance durability, safety, and efficiency across various applications from automobile components to medical equipment and protective gear, with twelve distinct segments revolutionising multiple sectors.

India's textile industry remains a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing approximately 2 percent to the country's GDP and securing its position as the sixth-largest textile exporter globally with a 3.9 percent share in world textile exports.

The sector is on track for substantial growth, with projections indicating it will reach USD 350 billion by 2030, creating 3.5 crore jobs and strengthening India's position in the international textile market.

This comprehensive initiative focuses on leveraging textiles for both strategic and commercial applications across four core areas: research and development, market promotion, export promotion, and education and skill development.

The mission actively encourages innovation in technical textiles by soliciting proposals for new materials and processes while simultaneously fostering international collaborations to expand market reach.

A dedicated export council has been established to enhance India's presence in the global technical textile market, and specialised training programs have been introduced in partnership with academic institutions and industry leaders to strengthen workforce capabilities.

Since its inception, Rs 517 crore has been allocated under NTTM, with Rs 393.39 crore already utilised for research, market development, export promotion, and skill-building initiatives.

The mission has approved 168 research projects valued at Rs 509 crore to advance innovation in the sector, demonstrating substantial progress toward its objectives.

NTTM has introduced several additional initiatives to enhance innovation, skill development, and indigenous production.

The Grant for Internship Support for Technical Textiles (GIST 2.0) was established to bridge the gap between industry and academia by providing hands-on learning experiences, fostering local innovation, and supporting the 'Make in India' initiative.

Another significant program, the Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship Across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT) Scheme, launched in August 2023, provides funding for the commercialisation of innovative prototypes.

Eight startups have received Rs 50 lakh each for developments in medical, industrial, and protective textiles, while three academic institutions, including IIT Indore and NIT Patna, have been granted Rs 6.5 crore to introduce specialised courses in geotextiles, geosynthetics, and sports textiles, further strengthening the educational infrastructure supporting the sector.

Recognising the growing demand for skilled professionals, NTTM aims to train 50,000 individuals, including students, unskilled workers, and professionals.

Through collaborations with institutions such as SITRA, NITRA, and SASMIRA, the initiative offers specialised courses covering medical, protective, mobile, and agricultural textiles, ensuring a well-prepared workforce for the expanding industry.

Technotex 2024, organised as part of Bharat Tex 2024, served as a platform to showcase India's technical textiles capabilities and investment potential.

A highlight of the event was the Innovation Zone under NTTM, spanning 693 square meters and featuring 71 cutting-edge projects, including 48 prototypes and 23 informational exhibits, demonstrating the sector's innovative capacity.

Innovation in technical textiles is yielding significant advancements, as exemplified by Eicher Goodearth's Mahina, India's first bonded leak-proof period underwear.

Designed for superior absorbency and 12-hour leak protection, this product is crafted from natural materials and lasts up to 100 washes, eliminating the need for disposable alternatives and representing the practical applications of technical textile innovation.

At the state level, Tamil Nadu has prioritised technical textile development in its recent budget through key initiatives including the establishment of the PM MITRA Park in Virudhunagar and a textile park in Salem.

The state has also enhanced capital subsidies for technical textile investments, increasing the spinning modernisation subsidy from 2 percent to 6 percent to facilitate cost reductions and technological upgrades, demonstrating regional commitment to advancing this strategic sector.

(KNN Bureau)