Textiles Minister Pushes Innovation, Sustainability In Panipat
The Union Minister for Textiles, Giriraj Singh, held an extensive interaction with over 150 textile manufacturers and exporters in Panipat on November 18th, 2024. Recognized as a key hub for textiles and handlooms in India, Panipat hosts a vibrant SME and manufacturing sector. The meeting, organized by the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) in collaboration with the Panipat Exporters Association, focused on addressing industry challenges and outlining strategies for growth and export enhancement.
Singh emphasized the importance of innovation in product development, urging manufacturers to explore unique blends such as jute with bamboo and recycled cotton with synthetic fibers, particularly for floor coverings and carpets. Highlighting the potential of green energy, he called for Panipat’s factories to aim for 100% renewable energy usage in their operations.
During the meeting, the Minister highlighted the government’s vision of expanding the domestic textile market to US$ 350 billion and achieving US$ 150 billion in exports by 2030. He urged the industry to capitalize on emerging opportunities and work closely with the government to overcome challenges, enhance infrastructure, and leverage Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
The Minister also advocated collaboration between Panipat’s carpet industry and Kolkata’s jute industry, encouraging the use of jute as a sustainable raw material. During his visit to leading textile units in Panipat, including Mahajan Overseas, Excellent Fabtex, Shree Jee International, ASM Home Furnishing, and H R Overseas, Singh engaged with management teams to discuss innovative practices and sustainability initiatives.
Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), delivered a keynote address, highlighting the export potential of Panipat’s textile products. She urged exporters to explore global markets aggressively and align with international trends.
Industry leaders, including Shri Ashok Gupta of Devgiri Exports, Shri Vinod Dhamija from the Haryana Chamber of Commerce, and Shri Kuldeep Wattal, Chairperson of the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC), shared insights and voiced the challenges faced by the sector.
As part of his visit, the Minister toured several prominent textile units in the region, observing their operations and discussing ways to enhance productivity and sustainability. His call for integrating green energy and sustainable materials reflects the government’s push toward environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.
This engagement between the Union Minister and Panipat’s textile stakeholders marks a significant step in fostering innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness within India’s textile sector.
