Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, visited the Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA) in Ghaziabad, where he reviewed the ongoing cultivation of the Milkweed (Aak) crop on the institute’s campus. He praised NITRA for its breakthrough research on Aak/Milkweed, highlighting its capability to significantly transform the textile industry. The Minister emphasized that this fibre is one of the smart-age materials, and noted that NITRA has already transferred the related technology to several major companies and is in discussions with more organisations for its adoption.
During the visit, Shri Giriraj Singh also officially dedicated the country’s first Manikin Flame Test System—installed at NITRA, Ghaziabad—to both the nation and the industry. Commenting on the new system, he stated that it would serve not only the textile sector but also industries such as steel, oil, gas, petroleum, railways, and chemicals. The facility will play a crucial role in safeguarding workers exposed to high-risk environments.
Dr. M. S. Parmar, Director General of NITRA, explained that this technology reinforces the need for protective clothing and aids in determining the specific type of protective gear suited for various industries.
The Union Minister concluded by encouraging industries to innovate more Milkweed-based products and further advance NITRA’s research domestically and internationally. He also urged all sectors to make use of the Manikin Flame Test Facility and the other services available at NITRA’s Centre of Excellence in Protective Textiles, operating under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
