Union Textiles Minister Shri Giriraj Singh Chairs Review Meeting on Jute, Handloom and Handicrafts Sector in Kolkata
Union Minister Emphasises Product Diversification and Value Addition
Kolkata, March 6, 2026 : Union Minister for Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, chaired a review meeting with officials and stakeholders from the handloom, handicrafts and jute sectors in Kolkata today to discuss the strategies for strengthening traditional textile industries through innovation, diversification and value addition.
The meeting was attended by officials from the Handloom and Handicrafts sectors, Regional Ministry of Textiles offices, Jute Board, Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres (CRIJAF), National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology (NINFET), and Indian Jute Industries’ Research Association (IJIRA), among others.
Highlighting the evolving potential of jute, the Minister said, the sector is witnessing a rapid transformation with the development of diversified and value-added products. On the occasion, Shri Singh wore a Modi jacket and dupatta made from a jute-based fabric developed by the jute industry, comprising a blend of 60 per cent jute with cotton and viscose, demonstrating the growing application of jute in wearable textiles.
He noted that traditionally jute was primarily associated with packaging materials such as bags, but the sector has now expanded its wings into fashion garments and modern textile applications. Emphasising the importance of diversification, the Minister said that the development of jute-based fabrics and new-age fibres will create greater value for farmers, artisans and industry stakeholders.
The Minister also emphasised that initiatives promoting technology adoption, innovation and diversification in jute and other natural fibres will help strengthen the vision of Vocal for Local and Atmanirbhar Bharat. These efforts aim to empower weavers, artisans and jute farmers while enhancing the global competitiveness of India’s traditional textile sectors.
Reiterating the Government’s commitment, Shri Singh said that sectors such as handloom, handicrafts and jute have immense potential to emerge as major drivers of employment and income generation for millions of artisans and workers across the country.
The meeting reviewed the ongoing initiatives and discussed measures to further promote innovation, research, market expansion and product diversification in the sector.
(This story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a PIB- Media Release)
