Rise of Technical Textiles in India: Policies and Prospects

Understanding technical textiles

Technical textiles refer to materials specifically engineered for their functional properties and technical performance, rather than for aesthetic or decorative use. Unlike regular textiles, which are primarily utilized for clothing and household items, technical textiles find applications in various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, construction, defense, and transportation.

The Size of India's Technical Textiles Market

As of 2024, the Indian technical textiles market is valued at approximately $26 billion. Projections indicate significant growth, with expectations to reach $40–45 billion by 2030. This upward trend is bolstered by supportive government policies and industrial advancements.

government initiatives to Promote Technical Textiles

The Indian government has implemented several strategic measures to enhance this sector, including:

• PLI Scheme: The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme emphasizes technical textiles as a priority area.
• National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM): Launched to encourage focused research and innovation, the NTTM has approved 168 high-impact projects with substantial funding support of ₹510 crore.

Applications of Technical Textiles in India

Currently, there are 73 mandatory technical textile items integrated into critical sectors, such as:

• Healthcare: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits.
• Agriculture: Crop covers and shade nets.
• Infrastructure: Geo-textiles utilized in road and dam construction.
• Defense: Materials for ballistic protection.

Bharat Tex 2025 and Its Global Impact

Bharat Tex 2025 acts as a prominent industry platform, significantly enhancing India's presence in the global textile market. This initiative has facilitated Indian manufacturers in securing numerous export orders, showcasing the nation's capability in producing high-quality technical textile products.

Supporting Innovation in Technical Textiles

Institutions like the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) play a crucial role in fostering innovation within the technical textiles sector. NIFT collaborates with industry and academia to develop future-ready textile designs and advanced fibers.

India's Venture into High-End Technical Textiles

India is poised to start producing carbon fiber, a high-end technical textile, next year. Carbon fiber is essential for sectors such as aerospace, defense, and high-performance engineering. This initiative aims to reduce import reliance while enhancing domestic capability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are technical textiles?
Answer: Technical textiles are materials designed for specific technical performance and functional properties, primarily used in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and construction.

Q2. What is the current market size of technical textiles in India?
Answer: As of 2024, the Indian technical textiles market is valued at $26 billion, with projections to grow to $40–45 billion by 2030.

Q3. What initiatives has the Indian government taken for technical textiles?
Answer: The government has introduced the PLI Scheme and launched the National Technical Textiles Mission to promote research, innovation, and funding in the sector.

Q4. How are technical textiles used in the healthcare sector?
Answer: In healthcare, technical textiles are utilized for products such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits, which are essential for safety and protection.

Q5. What is Bharat Tex 2025?
Answer: Bharat Tex 2025 is an industry platform that enhances India’s visibility in global textile markets, helping manufacturers secure export orders and showcase their capabilities.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What are technical textiles primarily designed for?
A) Aesthetic purposes
B) Functional properties
C) Clothing manufacture
D) Household items
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: What is the estimated value of India's technical textiles market in 2024?
A) $15 billion
B) $20 billion
C) $26 billion
D) $30 billion
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: Which mission focuses on promoting technical textiles in India?
A) National Textile Policy
B) National Technical Textiles Mission
C) Textile Industry Development Mission
D) PLI Mission
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: What is a key application of technical textiles in defense?
A) Clothing
B) Ballistic protection materials
C) Household items
D) Agricultural nets
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: What is the significance of Bharat Tex 2025?
A) It reduces textile imports
B) It enhances India's global textile visibility
C) It focuses on traditional textiles
D) It primarily supports domestic markets
Correct Answer: B