Governor calls for reviving age-old textile sector

Mar 25, 2022

Textile sector is the second largest employer after agriculture in India as it provides livelihood to 100 million people, directly and indirectly, and it contributes more than 12% to our export earnings. India’s traditional textile crafts such as muslins, Mul Mul, Kalamkari, Ikats, Pattanchitra, Murals, Madhubani or Warli are known for eco-friendly and sustainable production process.

In order to discuss strategies to support this centuries-old industry, the National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (NI-MSME) organized "GlobalSpin Trade Conclave on Eco-Handlooms, Eco-Textiles, and Apparel" with World Trade Center Mumbai and All India Association of Industries (AIAI) as supporting partners.

Shri. Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his remarks, Shri. Koshyari said, “MSMEs in the handloom sector are very important for the economy. Indians have produced textile and clothing products of superior quality since the age of the Hindu epic Ramayana. Lord Rama was gifted a cloth, which could be used for 14 years of his exile. Archeological evidence shows that fine textile and handicraft were produced and used even during the 5,000 year-old Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro civilization. Now, we need to revive this age-old heritage of textiles and handicrafts by empowering our artisans and MSMEs,”

Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai mentioned, “In order to promote our textile industry, the Indian government may emphasise on enhancing our spinning and weaving capacity for local value addition rather than export of raw cotton. This will help us in fulfilling the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat programme. The government may extend the production linked incentive scheme of cotton textile to promote import substitution as the country is witnessing rise in import of textile products in recent times.”

Earlier in her welcome remarks, Dr. Gloryswarupa Sunchu, Director General, National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (NI-MSME) shared the role of her organization in supporting MSME clusters, women entrepreneurs and offering training & consultancy programs. NI-MSME has trained more than 5 lakh youth and has been working with schools and centers of excellence to promote entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities for women and artisans.

The event was attended by members of trade & industry, consular corps, government officials and representatives from academia. The two-day Conclave featured exhibitions, workshops and panel sessions on Eco-Handlooms, Eco-Textiles, and Apparel.

In Photo: Organisers of GLOBALSPIN Trade Conclave felicitating Shri. Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra (Third from right). (From Left to Right): Er. Yash Arya, CEO and Founder, IAMKHADI; Dr. Ajit Nigam, Chief Executive Officer, NFDI;  Ms. Sangeeta Kalantri, Senior Director, All India Association of Industries (AIAI); Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai; Shri. Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra; Dr. Gloryswarupa Sunchu, Director General, National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (NI-MSME); Mr. Pavan Godiawala, Director, National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Mumbai.