Need to formulate R&D policy for textile industry: study

Raising concern over India's share in the US imports of technical textiles and non-woven fabric which is way behind China, industry body Ficci today said domestic industry needs research and development (R&D) support.

"India's share in the US imports of special purpose fabric (technical textiles) and non-woven fabrics was merely 2.6 per cent and 1.2 per cent, respectively in 2009 compared to China's share of 15 per cent and 12 per cent," a Ficci study said.

India needs to strengthen its capabilities to tap this growing market as technology-intensive products are the future, it said.

The study said there is a need to formulate a comprehensive research and development (R&D) policy for the Indian textile industry.
    
The chamber has submitted its recommendations to the Ministry of Textiles in this regard.
    
The study pointed out that only a small portion of revenue of the Indian textile industry is derived by innovative or technology intensive products.
    
"The policy should aim at increasing the country's share of advance technology-based products and high value-added items in global market to seven per cent in next five years from less than two per cent currently," the study said.
    
The chamber has also recommended setting-up of a National Textiles Research Council with a seed money of Rs 30 crore and an annual grant of Rs 10 crore.
    
The council could be the apex body for undertaking and providing direction to research in textiles in the country, the study said.
    
Ficci said that the policy should provide a special focus on eco-friendly textiles that would help in reducing carbon footprint.
    
"Development of eco-friendly and sustainable linkages is key to competitiveness. Also, the competitive edge for Indian textile industry will come from adoption of new and advance materials with functional properties (like anti-microbial fabrics for patients dress) in the textiles sector," it said.