The technical textiles sector has huge potential, and will grow at 20 per cent annually in the next two years, said Union Minister for Textiles Santosh Kumar Gangwar here.
According to XII Plan estimates, the market size of the sector is expected to reach Rs.1.59 lakh crore by 2016-17 from the current market size of Rs.1.10 lakh crore.
At present there are about 850 registered technical textile units and most are concentrated in Gujarat, followed by Maharashtra.
“The government has accorded high priority to the development of the textile sector, as it generates the highest employment after agriculture.
The government has recognised the importance of technical textiles in the national economy as well as the potential for increasing production and exports in the sector,” Mr. Gangwar said.
Technical textiles are used in the production of tyre cords, fabrics, airbags, industrial textiles, furniture lining, tents, fire services equipment, bullet proof jackets and parachutes.
The Minister was here to announce TECHNOTEX 2015, an international exhibition and conference scheduled in April next.
Textile Commissioner Kiran Soni said the government had launched four schemes for promotion and growth of technical textiles.
“Eight centres of excellence have been created for providing testing facilities, training, incubation facilities and prototype development to act as one-stop-shop to cater to the needs of the technical textiles industry,” Ms. Soni said.
The government has also launched projects for strengthening database and standards for technical textiles, scheme for usage of agri-textiles in the northeastern region besides a restructured Technology Upgradation Fund scheme.
