Why in news?
The Ministry of Textiles recently approved a new round of research projects under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM). The mission, launched in 2020, aims to turn India into a hub for high‑value technical textiles used in healthcare, agriculture, defence and infrastructure. The latest approvals underline the government’s push to develop niche products and scale up domestic production.
Background
Technical textiles are materials designed not for fashion but for function. They include geo‑textiles used to strengthen roads, agro‑textiles that protect crops, medical fabrics for wound care, and high‑tenacity fibres used in bullet‑proof vests and automotive airbags. Recognising the potential of this sector, the Union Cabinet launched the four‑year National Technical Textiles Mission in 2020 with an outlay of ₹1,480 crore. The mission set a target to increase India’s technical textiles market from around USD 18 billion in 2020 to USD 40–50 billion by 2024–25.
Components of the mission
- Research and innovation: Funding is provided for developing new fibres, composites and process technologies. Special emphasis is placed on high‑performance materials like aramid, carbon and ceramic fibres.
- Promotion and market development: The mission supports workshops, trade fairs and buyers–sellers meets to raise awareness and encourage domestic consumption of technical textiles.
- Export promotion: Schemes are being designed to help Indian manufacturers tap global markets through quality certification, export credit and trade facilitation.
- Education and skill development: Technical universities and training institutes are developing curricula to build a skilled workforce for this emerging industry.
Why it matters
- Strategic applications: Technical textiles find uses in defence equipment, space missions, agriculture nets, flood control and medical implants. Developing indigenous capacity reduces reliance on costly imports.
- Industry diversification: Moving beyond conventional cotton and polyester fabrics, India can climb the value chain and create higher‑paying jobs.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: The mission aligns with the vision of self‑reliant India by promoting domestic innovation and manufacturing.
Source
Press Information Bureau – National Technical Textiles Mission approves research projects