In a thrilling development for the apparel sector, Minister Piyush Goyal has announced India’s role as the host of the 81st Plenary Meeting of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC). The much-anticipated event is scheduled to take place from December 2 to 5, 2023, in the vibrant city of Mumbai. This prestigious gathering is set to draw nearly 400 delegates, with 300 distinguished foreign delegates hailing from 26 member countries.
Under the captivating theme of ‘Cotton Value Chain: Local Innovations for Global Prosperity,’ the 81st ICAC Plenary Meeting promises to be an unparalleled platform for sharing groundbreaking ideas and forging international collaborations within the textile industry.
Minister Goyal, a driving force behind this momentous event, urged industry and trade members to play a pivotal role in ensuring its success. He emphasized the significance of the cotton value chain, which is not only the backbone of India’s textile sector but also a critical global player.
One of the highlights of the event will be the showcase of products made from Kasturi Cotton, an emblem of India’s rich textile heritage. Moreover, the meeting will spotlight the best sustainable practices in the industry, reaffirming India’s commitment to environmentally responsible cotton production.
Minister Goyal also unveiled an ambitious project aimed at bolstering cotton productivity. Covering an impressive 9,327 hectares, this project has the potential to rejuvenate the domestic cotton industry. The Minister’s vision is to analyze the pilot project’s impact and consider its expansion in the upcoming cotton season, promising a brighter future for cotton cultivation in India.
Minister of State, Darshana V Jardosh, echoed the call for collaboration in the cotton value chain. She stressed the importance of enhancing value returns to farmers through sustainable practices and implementing traceability throughout the value chain. This cooperative approach resonated with industry and textile value chain representatives, who expressed their gratitude for the Minister’s responsive and pragmatic approach in addressing their concerns.
The ICAC Plenary Meeting also witnessed the presence of key figures, including Rachna Shah, Secretary of Textiles, and Suresh Kotak, Chairman of the Textile Advisory Group (TAG). Senior officials from the ministries of textiles, agriculture, commerce, and finance, alongside representatives from various textile-related bodies, came together to ensure that the entire textile value chain was comprehensively represented.
With India at the forefront of cotton innovation and sustainability, the 81st ICAC Plenary Meeting in Mumbai is poised to be an exhilarating event that not only celebrates India’s rich textile heritage but also charts a course toward a prosperous and sustainable future for the global cotton industry. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting journey!