INDIAN TEXTILE INDUSTRY: EMBRACING INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY

The textile industry in India is among the oldest in the world. with a history that spans over 5,000 years. Cotton threads from India date back to around 4000 BC, and evidence of dyed fabrics can be traced to about 2500 BC. Over the centuries, the industry has evolved significantly, setting global standards in fabric production and influencing international fashion trends. Renowned for its high-quality textiles, the industry showcases the diverse cultural heritage of India's regions. Contributing around 2.3% to India's GDP, excluding related sectors, it accounts for 7% of the country's industrial production in value. In 2020-21, textiles, apparel, and handicrafts represented 11.4% of India's total exports, positioning India as the fourth-largest textile and apparel exporter worldwide. Industry includes both the handloom and machine-made textiles, produced from cotton, silk, wool, and jute. It spans a variety of products and processes, such as fiber manufacturing, yarn spinning, fabric weaving, and dyeing and printing. With agriculture providing vital raw materials like cotton, silk, and jute, the sector is also second-largest employment generator in India, following agriculture, making it a key player in the country’s economy.