The Ministry of Textiles in collaboration with Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) organized the Technical Textiles Conference on 23rd August 2022 in Imphal, Manipur.
Key highlights
- Various initiatives and schemes have been launched by the Ministry of Textiles including PLI for Textiles, PM MITRA and NTTM to transform from a traditional cotton-based textiles hub to a technical textile and MMF hub in the world.
- The Gati Shakti model provides that necessary impetus to States for undertaking infrastructure project with minimal approvals and permissions.
- From a Net-importer of PPE kits and masks to the 2nd biggest exporter, India has dramatically expanded its capabilities in medical textiles as well. From indigenous development of Carpets to Airbags to defence outfits to PPE Kits, India holds the production and export capabilities in becoming an Atma-Nirbhar nation in the segment.
- Another major crucial component to focus for development of technical textiles market is robust skilling and training wherein INR 400 Crores have been allocated under the NTTM scheme.
- Shri N. Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur highlighted that the Manipur holds unique and tremendous possibilities in usage of technical textiles, particularly geotextiles, across its roads and railways, especially in the Imphal to Mao region of the state.
- The Geotextile technology is already in use in the railway tracks at Imphal – Jiribam Line in Manipur.
- He added that North-eastern states, especially Manipur, are prone to heavy rainfall throughout the year leading to flooding, landslides and soil erosion thereby creating opportunities for usage of geotextiles.
About Technical Textiles
- Technical Textiles are textiles, which are engineered to give desired output suitable for specific applications.
- The basic raw material are natural fibres like jute, silk and cotton. But, majority of the applications use man-made fibres: polymers (Aramid, Nylon) , carbon, glass, and metals.
- Technical Textiles are the technology of future. Technical Textiles segment is divided into 12 sub-segments.
- India has a major presence in Packaging Textiles (Packtech): 38%, Geotechnical Textiles (Geo-tech): 10%, Agricultural Textiles (Agrotech): 12%.
About Geotextiles
- Geotextiles are polymer fabrics used in the construction of roads, drains, harbour works, and breakwaters, and for land reclamation and many other civil engineering purposes.
- To perform the above functions, geotextiles are generically made from plastic materials, mostly polypropylene and polyester, but also polyethylene, polyamide (nylon), polyvinylidene chloride, and fibreglass are used.
