Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde today said the state is working to become a globally competitive textile and export powerhouse by integrating the entire value chain from farm to foreign markets.
Delivering the inaugural address as chief guest at the ASSOCHAM Farm to Foreign Conclave 2026 in Mumbai, Mr Shinde highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 5F vision from Farm to Fibre, Factory, Fashion and Foreign. He said, Maharashtra’s rich textile legacy, modern infrastructure and expanding manufacturing and export capabilities can help take Made in Maharashtra products to global markets.
Mr Shinde highlighted the PM MITRA Park in Nagpur, the Amravati Textile Cluster and garment clusters in Ichalkaranji, Solapur and Bhiwandi. He said, the future of manufacturing will be green, digital, transparent and globally benchmarked. He also stressed promoting traditional products such as Paithani sarees and Kolhapuri footwear in international markets.
He said, a Textile, Craft and Cultural Museum is being developed at the historic India United Mill site in Byculla, which will showcase Maharashtra’s rich textile, handicraft and cultural heritage.
Secretary and CEO of the Textile Committee, Government of India, Kartikay Dhanda, said, sustainability and traceability will be defining pillars of India’s textile sector. He highlighted ongoing efforts around textile waste recovery, circularity, alternative fibres, improved cotton productivity and reducing compliance costs.
ASSOCHAM Maharashtra State Council Chairman Milind Hardikar said sustainability is now an important driver of competitiveness for the textile industry and stressed stronger collaboration across the value chain.
ASSOCHAM Co-Chair Alok Mishra said sustainability can create greater value for the textile industry, with focus on renewable energy, water efficiency and circularity.
A knowledge report on ‘Advancing India’s 5F vision for a sustainable, traceable and globally competitive textile value chain’ was also released at the event.
