MMF is not at war with Indian cotton: Smriti Irani

Union textiles minister Smriti Irani said that the diversity of the Indian textiles segment is such that on one hand is cotton and on the other hand is the future of man-made fibres (MMF) and fabrics in India, while addressing the valedictory session on day three of the Textiles India 2017 fair. 

Minister of chemicals and fertilizers Ananth Kumar, who engaged with the MMF industry, made a declaration that he never knew that the seeds of the textiles industry actually lay in the petrochemicals ministry, said Irani. He said that the two ministries should have more of such dialogues and conversations so that the government can holistically work together for the advancement of the industry.

Venkaiah Naidu, minister of urban development, said while addressing the valedictory session that the textile sector has been part of the Indian culture and tradition. People of the Harappan Civilisation knew weaving and the spinning of cotton about 4,000-5,000 years ago. Naidu added that India has thousands of years of experience.

The textiles industry and the business need to be given due recognition and their rightful place and encouragement. The government is clear that mere production alone will not suffice. Production has to be converted to bring valuation, added Naidu.

He also said that the diversity of Indian textiles is unparalleled in the world. Textiles and apparel have always contributed immensely towards the socio-economic development of the country. The importance of the Indian textiles industry for Indian economy is reflected from the fact that the sector contributes 10 per cent to manufacturing production, 2 per cent of the GDP and 13 per cent to the country’s export earnings. Textiles industry is also the second largest employer in India after agriculture with over 45 million people employed directly and about 60 million people employed in allied activities.

PM Modi has also launched several initiatives to reform and boost the textile sector. He also revived khadi by infusing a new life into the brand. Campaigns like IWearHandloom and CottonIsCool have reinvented nation's interest towards beauty of Indian textiles, said Naidu.