Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh Advocates for Handloom Protection and Technology-Driven Growth

Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh engaged with weavers and officials in West Bengal to discuss enhancing the handloom sector. The focus was on policy support, technology integration, and better market access. During his visit to Shantipur in Nadia district, Singh assured weavers that the sector would be shielded from unfair competition posed by power looms.

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Singh announced that school uniforms would be made exclusively from handwoven fabric. He highlighted the importance of GI-tagged sarees like Shantipuri, Baluchari, and Tangail. Proposed trade agreements with the US and EU could expand export opportunities for Bengal's artisans. The minister also mentioned efforts to strengthen marketing linkages under the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Vikas Yojana.

Focus on Technology and Sustainability

Singh later visited Barrackpore to meet senior officials at the Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres (CRIJAF), National Institute of Fashion Technology Extension and Training (NINFET), and Indian Jute Industries Research Association (IJIRA). Discussions centred on integrating new technologies into traditional textile systems to boost productivity, quality, and sustainability while preserving artisanal qualities.

Officials briefed Singh on ongoing research in fibre innovation, design development, and climate-resilient practices for handlooms and related sectors. These initiatives aim to enhance global competitiveness through artificial intelligence-based quality sampling. West Bengal is home to nearly seven lakh weavers, underscoring the sector's significance.

Historical Significance of Shantipur

Shantipur is one of India's oldest handloom centres, renowned for its fine cotton sarees. The institutions in Barrackpore are involved in research, training, and innovation across jute, handloom, and allied textile segments. These efforts aim to improve consistency and competitiveness globally without compromising the artisanal character of the products.

The minister's visit underscored the importance of adopting new technologies within traditional textile ecosystems. This approach seeks to enhance productivity while maintaining the unique artisanal character of the handloom sector. The discussions highlighted the potential for growth through improved market access and technological advancements.

The focus on integrating technology with traditional practices aims to ensure sustainability in the handloom sector. By leveraging artificial intelligence for quality sampling, consistency can be improved, enhancing global competitiveness. These efforts align with broader initiatives to support artisans and boost exports through strategic trade agreements.

With inputs from PTI