Bharat Tex 2024: PM Modi inaugurates largest textile event.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened Bharat Tex 2024, a landmark international textile event, at New Delhi's Bharat Mandapam. He toured the exhibition showcasing India's textile heritage and contemporary advancements. Over 3,000 exhibitors, traders from 100 countries, and 40,000 visitors are participating.
A platform for all
The Prime Minister welcomed attendees, highlighting the event's unique location across two major exhibition centers. He described the event as a "thread" connecting India's illustrious textile history with modern talent and technology. He praised its potential to unite style, sustainability, scale, and skill development. He also lauded the exhibition's representation of diverse textile traditions from across India, reflecting the spirit of "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" (One India, Great India).
Empowering the value chain
Acknowledging the presence of various stakeholders, the Prime Minister commended their understanding of the textile sector's challenges and aspirations. He emphasized the crucial role of weavers and artisans, their generational experience forming the foundation of the industry. Linking the textile sector to the "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) initiative's pillars - poverty alleviation, youth empowerment, farmer support, and women's development - he stressed the event's significance.
He outlined government efforts to expand textiles' role in "Viksit Bharat." He emphasized fostering tradition, technology, talent, and training. He highlighted modernizing traditional designs, reiterating the Five F’s vision: Farm to Fiber, Fiber to Factory, Factory to Fashion, Fashion to Foreign, integrating the value chain. He mentioned measures like the revised MSME definition, direct sales platforms, and online portals to bridge the gap between artisans and markets.
PM Mitra parks and rural upliftment
He also highlighted the government's plan to establish seven PM Mitra Parks across states, creating opportunities for the entire textile sector. These parks will offer "plug and play" infrastructure, improving scale, operations, and reducing logistics costs. The Prime Minister addressed the textile sector's employment potential and the significant participation of women and the rural population.
Supporting cotton, jute, and silk
Recognizing India's growing profile as a cotton, jute, and silk producer, the Prime Minister mentioned government support for cotton farmers and the launch of "Kasturi Cotton" to enhance India's global brand value. He also addressed initiatives for the jute and silk sectors and highlighted new sectors like technical textiles, mentioning the National Technical Textiles Mission and opportunities for startups.
He also emphasized the need for both technological advancements and preserving India's unique heritage. He noted the inherent value of handcrafted products and the government's focus on skill development, exemplified by the expansion of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) institutes and training programs for local artisans. The Samarth Scheme, with over 2.5 lakh individuals trained, was also mentioned, highlighting its focus on women's participation.
Vocal for local and going global
The Prime Minister acknowledged the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement and government initiatives like exhibitions and malls to support small artisans. He emphasized the positive impact of government policies, citing a doubling of FDI in textiles and a 25 per cent increase in yarn, fabric, and apparel production. Observing the global trend of ‘Going back to basics,’ the Prime Minister urged the industry to explore opportunities beyond the domestic market, citing specific examples and the need for chemical replacements for sustainable production. He shared his vision for Khadi's transformation and encouraged research in modern textiles and equipment manufacturing.
The Prime Minister reiterated the government's commitment to act as a catalyst and urged the industry to adopt a global vision and diversify markets. He concluded by calling for innovation and leadership in the textile sector.