Gujarat govt to push for R&D in textiles

The state government plans to encourage R&D institutions in the state, Gujarat minister of state for industries Anilbhai Patel said at the 46th Joint Technological Conference on Textiles here on Saturday.

Patel said that government is keen to raise productivity and quality in textiles. For this, various types of R&D projects are being considered.

Arvindbhai Lalbhai, chairman, council of administration, Ahmedabad Textile Industries Research Association (ATIRA), said: "The local textiles industry recognised the need for R&D and a systematic approach to production as early as just after World War-II."

Gujarat producing a sizeable quantity. However, the quality of cotton will decide their marketing in global markets, he said. Lalbhai urged the government to continue to support textile research associations so that local firms can face to the challenges of future.