Why in the News

Bollywood actor Ashutosh Rana, wearing a Garo traditional jacket made from Eri silk and pineapple leaf fibre, unveiled the poster of the National Conclave on “Weaving India Together: Natural Fibres, Innovation and Livelihoods from the North East and Beyond” in New Delhi.

Organised by the Central Agricultural University, Imphal (College of Community Science, Tura, Meghalaya), in collaboration with the Government of Meghalaya, ICAR, Ministry of Textiles, and the Deendayal Research Institute (DRI), the conclave aims to link innovation, sustainability, and traditional knowledge in India’s natural fibre ecosystem.

India’s Fibre Landscape

• India is the world’s largest producer of cotton and jute, the second-largest producer of silk, and a global hub for handlooms and handicrafts.
• The North Eastern region is rich in unique natural fibres such as:
  • Eri Silk (the “Peace Silk” of Assam)
  • Muga Silk (exclusive to Assam, known for its natural golden hue)
  • Ramie, Banana, and Nettle fibres, each with eco-friendly, biodegradable properties.
• These fibres combine ecological sustainability with cultural heritage, forming the foundation of India’s circular economy model.
  

Why Natural Fibres Matter?

1. Sustainability and Climate Resilience

• Natural fibres are biodegradable, low-carbon, and renewable, reducing dependence on synthetic, petroleum-based fabrics.
• Their cultivation and processing use minimal chemical inputs, supporting soil and water conservation.
  

2. Economic and Livelihood Potential

• The handloom and textile sector is India’s second-largest employer after agriculture, supporting over 4.3 million weavers and artisans.
• In the North East, weaving is a household-level enterprise, led primarily by women, fostering financial inclusion and rural entrepreneurship.

3. Innovation and Value Addition

• The blending of traditional fibres with modern textile technologies (e.g., Eri-pineapple fibre composites) opens up new frontiers in:
  • Sustainable fashion
  • Home furnishings
  • Geotextiles
  • Medical textiles (Meditech)

4. Export and Global Market

• The global demand for eco-friendly and sustainable textiles is projected to exceed USD 10 billion in the next decade.
• India’s natural fibres can play a pivotal role in green trade and export diversification, aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local missions.
  

Government Initiatives for Fibre Innovation

Highlights of the National Conclave (2025)

• Theme: “Weaving India Together: Natural Fibres, Innovation and Livelihoods.”
• Participants: Over 275 delegates, including 75–100 artisans, weavers, and entrepreneurs.
• National Ideathon: 47 innovative startup ideas, 10 selected for final presentation.
• Core focus areas:
  • Women’s empowerment
  • Sustainable livelihoods
  • Traditional knowledge and entrepreneurship
  • Bridging art and technology

The North East: India’s Fibre Innovation Frontier

• The North East contributes significantly to Eri and Muga silk production, often described as the “Silk Route of the East.”
• The region’s fibre diversity positions it as a natural hub for green innovation, blending tribal craftsmanship with modern fibre technology.
• Initiatives like Tura Campus (CAU-Imphal) are working to integrate research, training, and entrepreneurship in natural fibre production.
  

Challenges

• Lack of organized market linkages for artisans and small producers.
• Limited access to technology, design, and finance for traditional weavers.
• Competition from synthetic fibres and imported machine-made textiles.
• Need for certification, branding, and global visibility of indigenous fibre products.
  

Way Forward

1. Strengthen Fibre Value Chains: Integrate cultivation, processing, design, and marketing under one ecosystem.
2. Invest in R&D and Fibre Blending Technologies: Promote eco-innovations like Eri–pineapple and bamboo–banana fibre composites.
3. Empower Women Artisans: Provide skill training, digital literacy, and access to microfinance and e-commerce.
4. Develop NE as a Sustainable Fibre Hub: Create fibre incubation centres and export clusters under PM MITRA and NTTM.
5. Global Branding: Position India as a leader in ethical and sustainable textiles through certifications and storytelling rooted in heritage.
   

Conclusion

India’s fibre future lies in the intersection of tradition, innovation, and sustainability. The country’s rich natural fibre base — from Assam’s Eri to Meghalaya’s pineapple fibres — offers an opportunity to create green livelihoods, empower women, and lead the world in sustainable fashion.
As Ashutosh Rana noted, the weaving culture of India is not merely an economic enterprise but a reflection of India’s humanistic creativity — one that machines can never replace.

Mains Practice Question

“India’s natural fibre ecosystem represents a unique convergence of tradition, innovation, and sustainability”. Discuss the role of the North Eastern region in driving India’s ‘Fibre Revolution. (150 Words)

MCQs

Q1. With reference to India’s natural fibre ecosystem, consider the following statements:

1. India is the largest producer of both cotton and jute in the world.
2. The Eri silk, often called “Peace Silk,” is produced exclusively in the state of Assam.
3. The North Eastern region produces natural fibres like Eri, Muga, Ramie, Banana, and Nettle.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

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