Ministry of Textiles, under its flagship scheme National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), organized National Conclave on Agrotech emphasizing on the importance of accelerating productivity of agriculture & horticulture products in India in association with ITTA and SASMIRA, at New Delhi on October 06, 2023.

The inaugural function of this conclave was held in the gracious presence of Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor Dr. Z. P. Patel; Ms. Rachna Shah, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India; Shri Rajeev Saxena, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, GoI; Shri Priya Ranjan, Joint Secretary (INM Horticulture), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, GoI; and Shri Ashok Tiwari, Senior Director, SASMIRA.

Hon'ble VC highlighted that there is an average production loss of 10-40% due to climate change, especially in the rain-fed areas. Agrotextiles such as Crop Cover, Mulch mats, Polyhouses, etc. hold the potential to manage and stimulate the microclimate for crops leading to higher productivity. He mentioned that there is a need for bio-degradable agro-fiber-based bags which can be automatically degraded in the soil after the mulching process over time, leading to the planting process and sustainability. There is also need of developing innovative Agro textile products, he added.

The event encompassed 5 technical sessions focusing on innovations for sustainable and resilient agriculture, Indian Standards and QCOs under Agrotextiles, performance and sustainability of Agrotextiles and recent advances in Agrotech technology including digital transformation in Agriculture and Horticulture. There was a special session also discussing future growth and opportunities in Agrotextiles. A Conclave Booklet and a Report on Indian Agrotech Industry Opportunity: Fibre to Field, were released during the National Conclave.

More than 150 participants attended the conclave including officials and representatives from Central Ministries, user Departments of Central and State Governments, Institutes, industry leaders, scientific experts, researchers, and professionals related to Agro textiles.