INDIA: Challenging times demand more focus on technical textile sector
A recent report states that textile exports in 2009-10 will be equal, or even lesser than the export figures of 2008-09. In the current position of global meltdown, Indian textile industry should chart plans to survive the crisis, and facilitate sustainability and growth.
Textile industry has turned a blind eye on value adding sectors like weaving and finishing. The country does not have adequate shuttleless looms, and investments to cope with the quality and quantity sufficient to cater to the export market. Technical textile sector is still at the nascent stage, and is anticipated to boom by 2035.
Consolidated efforts of the Indian Textile Machinery Manufacturers Association, and the Government is necessary to give a impetus to the nascent sector and which could see technical textiles sector see a positive growth in the next three years.
The recent marathon training workshops and conferences have put India on the international map in technical textiles. Still awareness needs to be initiated among industrialists on the marketability of the products.
Trade bodies in India such as SRTEPC, SIMA and global bodies such as the USA based INDA and IFAI and Europe based EDANA should consider this issue seriously in 2009. A mission based research will also lead to positive innovations in the technical textiles sector.
Added: March 16, 2009 Source: Agencies