Giriraj Singh Highlights Technical Textiles’ Growth At IITF 2024
Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh inaugurated the Textile Pavilion at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2024, showcasing a special handloom and handicraft exhibition cum sale at Bharat Mandapam. The event, to be held from 14th to 27th November, is a significant initiative under the Ministry of Textiles to promote India’s rich craft heritage and empower local weavers and artisans.
The exhibition is inspired by India’s diverse cultural heritage and celebrates the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, with a focus on the ‘Janjatiya’ community. Giriraj Singh highlighted the growing importance of technical textiles, emphasizing India’s commitment to amplifying this sector, which is expected to become the economic backbone of the country. He also announced a Rs 1500 crore investment in R&D for the technical textiles sector and reiterated the government’s focus on enhancing exports.
In his speech, Singh stressed the government’s efforts to improve the textile value chain, offering better income opportunities for weavers and their families. He also noted that India’s handloom industry, the largest in the world, is focused on sustainability and energy efficiency. The handloom sector produces zero-carbon and zero-water footprint products, aligning with the global trend towards sustainable production.
Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for Textiles, visited the exhibition and emphasized the need to strengthen the handloom and handicrafts sector to boost production and increase earnings for artisans. He also emphasized the importance of preserving traditional crafts while adapting to modern market demands.
The Textile Pavilion features over 200 stalls from 27 states, representing the finest handloom and handicraft products, including Kani shawls, Madhubani paintings, Banarasi sarees, and more. Live demonstrations of handloom and art/craft techniques, such as Kutch Bandhani and Bhagalpuri silk, offer visitors a firsthand look at the craftsmanship involved. Additionally, B2B interactions are arranged to connect retailers and brands with handloom weavers.
The event also includes workshops on GI tagged handloom and handicrafts and talks on sustainability, circularity, recycling and upcycling. The exhibition serves as a direct platform for weavers and artisans to market their products to a global audience, further enhancing their reach and earnings.
The Ministry of Textiles has launched various schemes to promote high-quality handloom and handicraft products with a zero-defect, zero-effect focus. These initiatives help give a distinct identity to India’s handcrafted goods, ensuring authenticity and quality.
The Textile Pavilion at Hall No. 05, Bharat Mandapam, is open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM until 27th November.
