From April-November 2024, India’s technical textile exports increased by 6.2 per cent as against the corresponding period last year. As per Ashok Kumar Malhotra, Mission Director, National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), India exported technical textiles worth $342 million during the period as against $275 million worth of technical textiles exports during April-November 2023.

Demand for technical textiles in India continues to rise in lieu with the rising consumption, says Malhotra. The country needs to promote domestic production to prevent imports from rising, he opines. Currently, India is focusing on expanding its exports, particularly for goods like sanitary napkins and nappies, he adds.

According to Malhotra, packing technology and geotextiles are two technical textile domains that are expanding quickly. The NTTM mission has already consumed over half of the $174 million capital allocated to it, It has been further earmarked with an additional capital of $58.81 million to establish the ecosystem through the proper training of the workers, he adds.

Made from jute, ramie, wool and silk, technical textiles can also be manufactured using banana silk, says Malhotra. The mission will assist consumers who wish to participate in the project, he adds.

Silk is being used to manufacture medical textiles, while jute is being used to make geotextiles. Fabrics used by the military at high elevations, railroad fire-resistant fabrics, movie theatre upholstery, civil aviation materials, etc are in high demand currently, adds Malhotra.