India Gears Up to Dominate Sustainable Textiles with Industrial Hemp

NEW DELHI: The Wool and Woolens Export Promotion Council (WWEPC), under the leadership of Chairman Dr. Romesh Khajuria and Executive Director Suresh Thakur, hosted a transformative industrial gathering on December 27, 2024, at Udyog Bhavan, Ministry of Textiles, New Delhi.

The event emphasized the immense opportunities presented by industrial hemp and allied fibers, focusing on blending hemp and wool, fostering international collaborations, and showcasing India’s potential in sustainable textiles.

With key takeaways including the global demand for sustainable fibers and strategic plans for Bharat Tex 2025, the gathering reaffirmed India’s commitment to becoming a leader in eco-friendly textiles.

Also present in the meeting included prominent stakeholders Karan Sarsar, Founder & CEO of Awega Green Technologies LLP; Shripat Jagirdar, Founder & CEO of Weaving Vibes; Shridhar Jagirdar, Founder & CEO of Karishma Exports; and Ms. Kanika Sood, an agriculturist associated with Humans of Hemp.

Discussions revolved around the benefits of combining hemp and wool to cater to the growing global demand for sustainable textiles. This innovative blend is expected to redefine the industry and strengthen India’s position in the global textile market.

The WWEPC’s leadership welcomed plans to establish international collaborations and proposals for Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with South Korean delegates to facilitate knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and investment in India. These collaborations aim to introduce buy-back arrangements for hemp-based products and advanced textile technologies, paving the way for enhanced export opportunities.

Karan Sarsar of Awega Green Technologies presented an ambitious vision for Bharat Tex 2025, India’s premier textile event. His plan includes a dedicated pavilion showcasing innovative products made from hemp and allied fibers, a sustainable fashion show featuring garments crafted from hemp and wool, and a knowledge-sharing conference to engage industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders. These initiatives are designed to spotlight the versatility and potential of industrial hemp on a global stage.

In addition to promoting industrial applications, Awega Green Technologies announced its intention to launch a pilot project for industrial hemp farming in a district of Uttarakhand. This initiative is aimed at boosting farmer incomes, fostering sustainable agricultural practices, and establishing a robust supply chain for hemp production. Ms. Kanika Sood emphasized the importance of aligning agricultural practices with sustainable goals to support this burgeoning industry.

It is learnt that Textile Minister Giriraj Singh expressed his commitment to advancing commercial hemp production in India, and assured support for drafting a proposal for Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami, involving the Ministry of Textiles and the Textile Commissioner to align policies and facilitate the growth of this sector.

The gathering concluded with a shared vision of leveraging industrial hemp’s vast potential to redefine sustainable textiles. WWEPC Chairman Dr. Romesh Khajuria and Executive Director Suresh Thakur expressed optimism about India’s capacity to lead the global sustainable textile movement. With initiatives like Bharat Tex 2025 and strengthened international collaborations, India is poised to set a benchmark in eco-friendly fashion and fiber production, signaling a promising future for the industry.