A pivotal meeting was held at Udyog Bhavan, New Delhi, in the last week of December, 2024, where top officials from the Ministry of Textiles, industry leaders, and stakeholders gathered to discuss the gazetting of hemp fibers as “Allied Fibers.” The meeting marked a significant step in India’s move towards integrating sustainable fibers into its textile industry and positioning hemp as a central player in the country’s growth in the sector.

The meeting was attended by Union textiles minister Giriraj Singh, Textile Commissioner Roop Rashi Mahapatra, Kumar Priyadarshi, senior government official. Awega Green Technologies LLP was represented by Karan R. Sarsar – Founder & CEO, and Nirmesh Kumar – IT Head.

Industry stakeholders were represented by Shripat Jagridar – CEO, Weaving Vibes, Shridhar Jagirdar – CEO, Karishma Exports; Kanika Sood – agriculturist; Dr Romesh Khajuria – WWEPC Chairman, and Suresh Thakur – WWEPC Executive Director.

The meeting focused on four primary topics:

1. The recognition of hemp fibers as “Allied Fibers.”
2. The strategic planning and policy framework required for hemp fiber adoption.
3. A review of research and development initiatives.
4. Potential collaborations for scaling hemp fiber utilization across various industries.

A vision for hemp in India’s textile industry

Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh emphasized hemp’s potential to revolutionize the Indian textile industry by offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fibers like cotton and synthetic materials. “Hemp has the potential to transform our agricultural landscape and textile industries. By officially recognizing it as an ‘Allied Fiber,’ we are not only advancing sustainability but also creating economic opportunities for farmers across India,” the Minister said.

Textile Commissioner Roop Rashi Mahapatra said: “India has a long-standing tradition of using natural fibers, and it’s time we formally embrace hemp as a viable, sustainable fiber that can contribute to both environmental preservation and economic growth.”

Awega Green Technologies introduced a comprehensive plan to integrate hemp into India’s textile industry. Karan Sarsar outlined the numerous benefits of hemp – its durability, low water requirements, and biodegradable properties; the economic benefits, such as the potential for job creation in rural areas, enhanced export opportunities, and greater textile innovation. “A policy shift that supports hemp farming and processing will create a massive positive impact, from the farm to the factory,” said Sarsar.

According to him, recognition of hemp as an Allied Fiber would lead to a projected market growth of 20-30% in the next five years. The proposal also included recommendations for policy amendments, including financial incentives for stakeholders and the creation of a dedicated fund for research and development in the hemp industry.

Nirmesh Kumar, IT Head at Awega Green Technologies, added a tech-centric viewpoint, discussing the role of innovation and digital solutions like blockchain in hemp production, processing, and market outreach. “Technology will be key in scaling hemp-based products efficiently. With our advancements in hemp textile processing, we can make these fibers even more versatile and market-ready.”

Shripat S. Jagirdar, CEO of Weaving Vibes, a leading hemp fabric manufacturer, expressed optimism about the growing recognition of hemp fibers. “As a manufacturer, we see firsthand the immense potential of hemp fabrics, which are not only strong and versatile but also eco-friendly. Recognizing hemp fibers as ‘Allied Fibers’ would provide the much-needed policy support for scaling up production and meeting the growing global demand for sustainable textiles. This is a win-win for both farmers and manufacturers,” he said.

His father, Shridhar Jagirdar, CEO of Karishma Exports, echoed the sentiment, adding, “From a manufacturing standpoint, the current lack of clear policy support around hemp has been a challenge for us. However, this initiative opens new doors for hemp as a mainstream fiber in textiles. The growing global demand for eco-friendly products presents a massive opportunity, and with the right policies in place, India can be at the forefront of this green revolution in textiles.”

Awega’s Proposal for Bharat Tex 2025

As part of its efforts to showcase hemp’s potential, Awega Green Technologies LLP proposed a high-impact representation of hemp and allied fibers at the upcoming Bharat Tex 2025 event. The company aims to put up an innovative display that will highlight the technological advancements in hemp textile processing. In addition, Awega has proposed organizing a Hemp Sustainable Fashion Show in support with the WWEPC to demonstrate the versatility and eco-friendly appeal of hemp fabrics in fashion. The initiative is set to highlight the global market potential of hemp and provide a platform for collaboration with international partners.

“This is an exciting opportunity to show the world what India’s hemp industry can offer,” said Karan Sarsar. “At Bharat Tex 2025, we aim to showcase cutting-edge technologies and sustainable fashion, paving the way for hemp’s integration into mainstream textile markets globally.”

Action Points and Future Roadmap

As the meeting progressed, several key decisions were made, and action points were outlined:

1. Formation of a Committee: The Ministry of Textiles will form a committee to draft the gazette notification recognizing hemp fibers as “Allied Fibers,” which is expected to be completed by early 2025.
2. Economic Impact Report: Awega Green Technologies LLP was tasked with submitting a detailed report on the economic impact of hemp fiber recognition by the end of January 2025.
3. Farmer Awareness and Training: A joint initiative will be launched to promote awareness and provide training on hemp farming to local farmers, especially in regions like Uttarakhand, where pilot projects are set to begin.
4. International Collaborations: The Ministry also committed to pursuing an MOU with South Korean hemp companies for knowledge transfer, buy-back proposals, and organizing sustainability-focused fashion shows in India.
5. Follow-up Meeting: A follow-up meeting is scheduled for February 2025 to review the progress on these initiatives and to finalize action plans for the hemp industry’s growth.