From Farm to Fashion: India’s Strategic Shift Toward Hemp as a Sustainable Textile Fiber

New Delhi: In an unprecedented development, recently the top officials from the Ministry of Textiles, industry leaders, and stakeholders gathered in the presence of the Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh to discuss the gazetting of hemp fibers as “Allied Fibers.” The meeting marked a significant step in India’s move towards integrating sustainable fibers into its textile industry and positioning hemp as a central player in the country’s growth in the sector.

The meeting focused on four primary topics that included the recognition of hemp fibers as “Allied Fibers, the strategic planning and policy framework required for hemp fiber adoption, a review of research and development initiatives, and potential collaborations for scaling hemp fiber utilization across various industries.

A Vision for Hemp in India’s Textile Industry: The meeting began with the Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh emphasizing the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable fibers. The minister highlighted hemp’s potential to revolutionize the Indian textile industry by offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fibers like cotton and synthetic materials. “Hemp has the potential to transform our agricultural landscape and textile industries. By officially recognizing it as an ‘Allied Fiber,’ we are not only advancing sustainability but also creating economic opportunities for farmers across India,” the Minister said.

Roop Rashi Mahapatra, Textile Commissioner from the Ministry of Textiles, underscored the importance of hemp fibers in reducing environmental degradation. She added, “India has a long-standing tradition of using natural fibers, and it’s time we formally embrace hemp as a viable, sustainable fiber that can contribute to both environmental preservation and economic growth.”

Hemp Market Potential in India: India’s domestic market for hemp-based products, including textiles, is estimated to reach ₹3,000 crore by 2027, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23%. Globally, hemp exports from India are poised to contribute ₹500 crore annually, with further growth anticipated as international demand for sustainable textiles surges. Hemp’s contribution to the GDP of the textile sector is expected to rise significantly, aligning with the government’s target of achieving a $250 billion textile industry by 2030.

Awega Green Technologies’ Proposal: A key moment in the meeting was the presentation by Karan R. Sarsar, Founder & CEO of Awega Green Technologies LLP, who introduced a comprehensive plan to integrate hemp fibers into India’s textile industry. The plan outlined the numerous benefits of hemp, including its durability, low water requirements, and biodegradable properties. It also highlighted the economic benefits, such as the potential for job creation in rural areas, enhanced export opportunities, and greater textile innovation.

“We believe hemp fibers can not only revolutionize textiles but also benefit farmers by providing them with a sustainable crop that offers higher economic returns than traditional agriculture,” Mr. Sarsar said. “A policy shift that supports hemp farming and processing will create a massive positive impact, from the farm to the factory.”

He also presented financial implications and growth projections, noting that the recognition of hemp as an Allied Fiber would lead to a projected market growth of 20-30% in the next five years. The proposal also included recommendations for policy amendments, including financial incentives for stakeholders and the creation of a dedicated fund for research and development in the hemp industry.

Nirmesh Kumar, IT Head at Awega Green Technologies, added a tech-centric viewpoint, discussing the role of innovation and digital solutions like Blockchain in hemp production, processing, and market outreach. “Technology will be key in scaling hemp-based products efficiently. With our advancements in hemp textile processing, we can make these fibers even more versatile and market-ready,” Mr. Kumar remarked.

Industry and Agricultural Collaboration: The meeting also explored the possibility of establishing partnerships with local farmers and international organizations for hemp cultivation and processing. Dr. Romesh Khajuria, Chairman of WWEPC, pointed out the role of farmers in this initiative. “Our farmers must be empowered with the knowledge and tools to cultivate hemp sustainably,” he said. “A dedicated training program, in collaboration with the Ministry and industry stakeholders, is essential to ensure that hemp cultivation takes off in rural India.”

Suresh Thakur, WWEPC Executive Director, welcomed the proposal for collaborations of Awega and Ministry of Textiles with South Korean hemp companies, mentioning the potential of joint ventures that could bring technology transfer, global market access, and the creation of a sustainable fashion ecosystem. “India’s textile industry has the potential to lead the world in sustainability, and hemp is a natural fiber that can help us achieve that goal i.e. blending of Hemp-wool, Hemp Silk and other alternative fibres for Foreign Export opportunities,” Thakur said.

Comments from Hemp Fabric Manufacturers: Shripat S. Jagirdar, CEO of Weaving Vibes, a leading hemp fabric manufacturer, expressed optimism about the growing recognition of hemp fibers. “As a manufacturer, we see firsthand the immense potential of hemp fabrics, which are not only strong and versatile but also eco-friendly. Recognizing hemp fibers as ‘Allied Fibers’ would provide the much-needed policy support for scaling up production and meeting the growing global demand for sustainable textiles. This is a win-win for both farmers and manufacturers,” he said.

His Father, Shridhar Jagirdar, CEO of Karishma Exports, echoed the sentiment, adding, “From a manufacturing standpoint, the current lack of clear policy support around hemp has been a challenge for us. However, this initiative opens new doors for hemp as a mainstream fiber in textiles. The growing global demand for eco-friendly products presents a massive opportunity, and with the right policies in place, India can be at the forefront of this green revolution in textiles.”

Awega’s Proposal for Bharat Tex 2025: As part of its efforts to showcase hemp’s potential, Awega Green Technologies LLP proposed a high-impact representation of hemp and allied fibers at the upcoming Bharat Tex 2025 event. The company aims to put up an innovative display that will highlight the technological advancements in hemp textile processing. In addition, Awega has proposed organizing a Hemp Sustainable Fashion Show in support with the WWEPC to demonstrate the versatility and eco-friendly appeal of hemp fabrics in fashion. The initiative is set to highlight the global market potential of hemp and provide a platform for collaboration with international partners.

“This is an exciting opportunity to show the world what India’s hemp industry can offer,” said Karan R. Sarsar, Founder & CEO of Awega Green Technologies. “At Bharat Tex 2025, we aim to showcase cutting-edge technologies and sustainable fashion, paving the way for hemp’s integration into mainstream textile markets globally.”

Action Points and Future Roadmap:

As the meeting progressed, several key decisions were made, and action points were outlined:

1. Formation of a Committee: The Ministry of Textiles will form a committee to draft the gazette notification recognizing hemp fibers as “Allied Fibers,” which is expected to be completed by early 2025.
2. Economic Impact Report: Awega Green Technologies LLP was tasked with submitting a detailed report on the economic impact of hemp fiber recognition by the end of January 2025.
3. Farmer Awareness and Training: A joint initiative will be launched to promote awareness and provide training on hemp farming to local farmers, especially in regions like Uttarakhand, where pilot projects are set to begin.
4. International Collaborations: The Ministry also committed to pursuing an MOU with South Korean hemp companies for knowledge transfer, buy-back proposals, and organizing sustainability-focused fashion shows in India.
5. Follow-up Meeting: A follow-up meeting is scheduled for February 2025 to review the progress on these initiatives and to finalize action plans for the hemp industry’s growth.

In his closing remarks, the Textile Minister Giriraj Singh reiterated the importance of hemp fibers in the nation’s shift toward sustainability and would like to start the initiative to get Industrial Hemp recognised and gazetted as ‘Allied Fibers’. “This is not just about an economic opportunity—it is about securing a greener future for our country. We are committed to supporting this transformative initiative,” he said.

Karan R. Sarsar echoed the sentiments of the Minister, stating, “Awega Green Technologies is fully committed to supporting the Ministry of Textiles and the farming community in building a future where hemp is a cornerstone of India’s textile industry.”

Ms. Kanika Sood, an agriculturist and key stakeholder in the project, concluded, “We are ready to work alongside all parties to make this vision a reality. Hemp cultivation has the power to change the agricultural landscape of India for the better.”

With all parties committed to the project, the discussion marked a major milestone in India’s journey to becoming a leader in sustainable textiles. As the country sets its sights on hemp fiber recognition, the world watches closely to see how this collaborative effort unfolds in 2025 and beyond.