Government taking steps to promote natural fibres under R&D scheme

Government taking steps to support Research and Development in natural fibres such as Banana, Himalayan nettle, Bamboo and hemp under the R&D scheme for the Textile Industry including Jute of the Ministry of Textiles.

Under the scheme, Government provides financial support to the extent of 70 percent of the project cost for undertaking applied research and to the extent of 100 percent for undertaking basic research by reputed research agencies including Textile Research Associations (TRAs), Universities, Industry Associations, Government approved research centers such as IITs/Government aided Institutions/ recognized engineering colleges/institutions approved by DST/DSIR etc.

Government has granted approval for a project titled Development of products from Himalayan Indian nettle with project cost of Rs. 67.48 lakh, to Department of Jute and Fibre Technology, Institute of Jute Technology, University of Kolkata.

Similarly, for Banana Fibre, Government has given approval for two projects titled Development of eco-friendly recyclable/bio-degradable value added technical textiles from banana yarns” (Completed in 2013) and Development of banana fabric suitable for extreme cold Weather by plasma Technology” (Completed in 2015) to Manmade Textile Research Association, Surat.

MANTRA is making efforts to commercialize these products.