TN govt to focus on technical textiles, increase production

CHENNAI: The Department of Handlooms and Textiles has been planning to make Tamil Nadu the leader in production of technical textiles.

The plan to focus on technical textiles was shelled out in the two-day Global Spin Trade Conclave and Exhibition in Chennai. In the function, various officials attached to the Textiles and Handlooms department shelled out the plans of the State government on increasing the production of technical textiles.

"Tamil Nadu is not the leader in technical textiles. In fact, Tamil Nadu is lacking in technical textiles, but it is open to change and is welcoming investments. The State government is developing the technical textiles policy and the policy will soon be launched," said M Vallalar, Commissioner of Textiles, in the conclave.

He also said that at present China and Europe contribute 50 per cent of the total global technical textiles production and to increase the production of, the State government will organise an international seminar in November, this year, in which several MoUs will be signed to attract investments in technical textiles.

Vallalar further explained about the recently launched mini textile parks scheme and said that the state government will provide 50 per cent subsidy to companies. He also invited entrepreneurs to invest in technical textiles production in the State.

Rajeev Saxena, Joint Secretary and Missioner Coordinator of National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), Union Ministry of Textiles, while delivering his special address, said that when functionality is added to normal textiles it becomes technical textiles. In India, only 7 to 8 per cent of the total textiles production is contributed by technical textiles.

"Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Technical Textiles Mission with the objective of making India the leader in technical textiles. The Indian government is also planning to organise an international seminar on technical textiles in the near future," said Saxena.

R Gandhi, Minister for Textiles, also said that the State government has given special focus on technical textiles.

Meanwhile, six MoUs were signed by Co-optex with various companies and the cooperation will be in the field of developing block chain technology, bringing out textiles from natural fibres, usage of Kalamkari paintings in sarees and so on.