Context & Need for Sustainability
- India is among the world’s largest textile manufacturers but faces challenges due to:
- Geopolitical tensions
- Fragmented supply chains
- Volatile prices
- Sustainable transformation is needed to maintain global competitiveness and long-term leadership.
- Market leadership now depends not just on finance, but also adaptability, innovation, and resilience.
Relevance : GS 3(Sustainability)
Regenerative Farming (Regen Farming)
- Why important: Tackles raw material sourcing issues, soil degradation, and climate vulnerability.
- Already being implemented:
- 1 million+ hectares under pilot projects via Ministry of Agriculture.
- Aurangabad success: 6,000+ farmers with improved yields, lower chemical use, better incomes.
- Enables:
- Farmer inclusion in global supply chains
- Enhanced climate resilience
- Cost-effective, low-input farming
- Breaking gender barriers in agriculture
- Strengthens traceability, quality, and supply chain accountability.
Traceability Solutions
- Demand for traceable products is growing — 37% of consumers prioritize this (2023 survey).
- Traceability now supports:
- Brand trust, authenticity, and consumer transparency
- Sustainability storytelling beyond logistics
- India-specific examples:
- Kasturi Cotton initiative – boosts global trust in Indian cotton
- India-U.K. FTA (pending) could amplify sustainability-based textile exports
- EU & UK markets demand traceable, ethical products — offers India a competitive edge.
Product Circularity
- India contributes 8.5% of global textile waste — a serious concern.
- Circularity strategies:
- Longer product lifecycles
- Design for recyclability, reuse, and biodegradability
- Plastic-free packaging and sustainable post-use disposal
- Reengineering factory waste into new designs or soil-restorative products
- Benefits:
- Job creation
- Reduced raw material reliance
- Aligns with REIAI and Viksit Bharat vision of self-reliance and innovation
Strategic Outlook
- Industry target: $350 billion by 2030 + 35 million new jobs
- India’s leadership must be:
- Volume-driven and values-driven
- Focused on climate alignment and tech innovation
- Emphasis on genuine sustainable action, not greenwashing
Conclusion: The Way Forward
- India must lead by “Making in India for the world”, but responsibly and sustainably.
- Key to future textile leadership:
- Regenerative farming
- Tech-led traceability
- Product circularity
- Decisions today will shape a resilient, future-proof textile economy.
