**Executive Summary**
On March 20, 2026, Union Minister for Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh visited Agra to review the progress of the carpet, handicrafts, footwear, and technical textiles sectors. The visit focused on promoting sustainability, innovation, and technological adoption to enhance India’s global competitiveness. Key objectives identified include the development of a strategic roadmap to increase India’s share in the global footwear market and the integration of advanced technologies like AI in production.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Sustainability and Material Innovation**
* Emphasis on adopting eco-friendly processes, including the use of vegetable dyes and organic wool in carpet manufacturing.
* Exploration of sustainable alternative fibers, such as banana fiber, to align with international quality standards.
* **Design and Branding**
* Focus on strengthening the global positioning of the “India Handmade” brand.
* Promotion of indigenous trend forecasting tools, specifically *Vision NXT*, to improve design capabilities and export competitiveness.
* **Footwear Sector Enhancements**
* Integration of technical textiles into footwear manufacturing to improve product quality and export potential.
* Transitioning the industry toward high-end, export-oriented products through design-driven transformation.
* Recognition of young professionals as key drivers of innovation within the sector.
* **Technological Integration**
* Expanding the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies in both production and design.
* Strengthening product innovation to move toward high-value manufacturing.
**Impact Analysis**
**Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters**
**Impact:** These stakeholders are affected by a shift toward sustainable production and the need to align with global design trends.
**Action Required:** They must adopt environmentally friendly processes and utilize indigenous forecasting tools like *Vision NXT* to enhance competitiveness.
**Footwear Industry Stakeholders**
**Impact:** The sector is targeted for a major transformation into a high-value, design-led industry through the use of technical textiles.
**Action Required:** Manufacturers need to integrate AI and technical textiles into their production lines and follow the strategic roadmap to increase global market share.
**Local Artisans and Designers**
**Impact:** Artisans benefit from increased promotion of cultural heritage and the strengthening of the “India Handmade” brand.
**Action Required:** They are encouraged to engage with modern design tools and innovation initiatives to meet emerging global demands.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Textiles: The primary government department overseeing the progress, sustainability, and global competitiveness of the carpet, handicrafts, footwear, and technical textiles sectors.
Shri Giriraj Singh: The Union Minister for Textiles who conducted an official review of manufacturing facilities and stakeholder engagements to promote innovation and sustainability.
Agra, Uttar Pradesh: The central location for the official visit where reviews of the carpet, footwear, and handicrafts manufacturing units were conducted.
Vision NXT: An indigenous trend forecasting tool emphasized by the Minister for enhancing design capabilities and improving India's export competitiveness.
India Handmade: A government-backed brand initiative aimed at strengthening the global positioning of traditional Indian textile and handicraft products.
Ministry of Textiles
Union Minister for Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh Visits
Agra; Reviews Carpet, Handicrafts, Footwear
and Technical Textiles Sectors
Posted On: 20 MAR 2026 6:08PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Minister for Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, undertook an official visit to Agra, Uttar Pradesh, to
review the progress and potential of key sectors including carpets, handicrafts, footwear, and technical
textiles. The visit focused on promoting sustainability, innovation, and enhancing India’s global
competitiveness in these sectors.
During the visit, the Minister toured a carpet manufacturing facility and reviewed sustainable production
practices being adopted by the industry. These included the use of vegetable dyes, organic wool, and
environmentally friendly processes, aligning the sector with international quality and sustainability
standards.Shri Giriraj Singh also interacted with stakeholders from the carpet industry, including exporters and
designers. Discussions centred on emerging global design trends, the growing importance of sustainable
and alternative fibres such as banana fibre, and strengthening the global positioning of the “India
Handmade” brand. The Minister emphasized the role of indigenous trend forecasting tools such as Vision
NXT in enhancing design capabilities and improving export competitiveness.
Subsequently, the Minister visited a footwear manufacturing unit, where he reviewed advancements in the
sector. He noted that the integration of technical textiles is significantly improving product quality and
export potential. He also appreciated the role of young professionals in driving innovation in the footwear
industry.
A stakeholder meeting was held with representatives from the footwear industry, technical textiles sector,
and allied industries. Key issues discussed included:Leveraging technical textiles in footwear manufacturing
Expanding the use of AI and advanced technologies in production and design
Strengthening product innovation and design capabilities
Facilitating the shift towards high-end, export-oriented footwear
Developing a strategic roadmap to enhance India’s share in the global footwear market
Promoting awareness and adoption of technical textiles in the sector
The Minister highlighted that technical textiles will play a pivotal role in transforming India’s footwear
industry into a high-value, design-driven, and globally competitive sector. He reiterated the Government’s
commitment to supporting both traditional industries such as carpets and handicrafts, and emerging sectors
like technical textiles.
The visit also included a handicrafts exhibition showcasing the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of
local artisans.
Overall, the visit reaffirmed the importance of sustainability, innovation, technological adoption, and
collaborative stakeholder engagement in strengthening India’s textile and allied sectors and enhancing
their global competitiveness.
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MAM/VN
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