New Delhi : To strengthen the technical textiles sector in India, including agro-textiles, the Ministry of Textiles launched the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) in 2020. Under this initiative, 14 research projects related to agro-textiles have been approved. This information was provided by Shri Pabitra, Minister of State for Textiles, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
In a significant step to promote sustainable agricultural practices, a Climate-Smart Agro-Textile Demonstration Centre was established at Navsari, Gujarat in December 2024 at a total cost of Rs. 3.73 crore. The Centre, operated by the Synthetic & Art Silk Mills’ Research Association (SASMIRA), aims to showcase innovative agro-textile applications through live demonstrations, farmer training, and awareness programs. So far, 576 farmers have been trained at the Centre.
The National Technical Textiles Mission, a pan-India initiative, focuses on enhancing agricultural sustainability and productivity. Its interventions cover research and innovation, market development, export promotion, and skill development.
Approved Agro-Textiles R&D Projects under NTTM:
| S. No | Project Title | Implementing Institute |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Insecticide-incorporated Agronets: Green technology to minimize insecticide burden | Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), DRDO, Assam |
| 2 | Biodegradable electrospun/needle-punch mulch using natural fibrous waste | IIT Delhi |
| 3 | Natural fibre-based agro-textile products for protected eco-friendly horticulture | IIT Kharagpur |
| 4 | Functional textiles to counter organophosphate insecticides and nerve agents | IIT Indore |
| 5 | Jute agro-textiles as mulching material for mango intercropping systems | Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswa Vidyalaya, West Bengal |
| 6 | Sustainable use of unconventional Himalayan fibres for agro-textiles | CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur |
| 7 | Herbal extract-coated seed protection bags with long-lasting properties | South Indian Textile Research Association (SITRA), Coimbatore |
| 8 | Crop covers, mulch, soil protection fabrics using Sun hemp and Banana fibre | Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA), Ghaziabad |
| 9 | Energy-responsive agro-textiles for low-cost off-season vegetable/fruit cultivation | SASMIRA, Mumbai |
| 10 | Eco-friendly natural fibre packaging for agro-products with rodent, microbial, and UV protection | Wool Research Association (WRA), Mumbai |
| 11 | Jute bags for stored seed protection and quality preservation | ICAR-Kolkata |
| 12 | Natural fibre waste as growth media in soilless crop production | ICAR-Kolkata |
| 13 | Tunable agro-textiles with smart functionalities for enhanced crop production | CSIR–CLRI, Chennai |
| 14 | Foam-in-place packaging using agricultural residue | IIT Kanpur |