THE SEEDS OF SUSTAINABILITY FOR INDIA'S TEXTILE LEADERSHIP

Strategic decisions made today will help India's global leadership for a sustainable, future-proof, and resilient textile economy

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Even as one of the world's largest manufacturing hubs, the Indian textile industry faces challenges in sustaining its global presence due to geopolitical tensions, fragmented supply chains, and product price volatility. Climate change or evolving consumer demands are not the only causes, but also the fundamental values that influence business decisions.

In this evolving landscape, achieving a market competitive edge depends on long-term presence, and businesses should explore beyond financial goals, as adaptability, purpose-led innovation, and resilience are also essential. For India to establish its global trade authority, the cultivation, sourcing, and manufacturing practices must be re-examined with a sustainable lens.

Concepts such as regenerative farming, traceability solutions, and product circularity are becoming the operational standards and core manufacturing actions in the industry.

As the sixth-largest exporter of textiles globally, adopting these practices would help the textile industry in strengthening its leadership. We are presented with a growth opportunity to emerge as an important player in the China Plus One strategy, reducing dependence on China and unlocking India's trade potential.

Regenerative farming

In India, regenerative (regen) farming is a viable model amidst concerns of raw material sourcing, climate change, land degradation, and soil erosion. Regen farming practices are already under way in India, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare considering approximately over one million hectares of farmland for further pilot projects in the coming years. Farmers are equipped with digital resource-based training on regen farming practices.