Maharashtra Strengthens Farm-to-Foreign Vision to Build a Global Textile & Export Hub
Maharashtra is accelerating its ambition to become a globally competitive textile and export powerhouse by strengthening the entire value chain—from farm and fibre to manufacturing, fashion and international markets.
The vision was outlined by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during the inaugural session of the ASSOCHAM Farm to Foreign Conclave 2026 held in Mumbai. Addressing industry leaders and policymakers, Shinde reaffirmed the state’s commitment to advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 5F vision—Farm, Fibre, Factory, Fashion and Foreign—as the roadmap for sustainable textile growth.
Shinde said Maharashtra’s rich textile heritage, robust manufacturing ecosystem, modern infrastructure and expanding export capabilities position the state to significantly enhance the global presence of Made in Maharashtra products. He noted that the next phase of textile manufacturing will be driven by green technologies, digitalisation, transparency and globally benchmarked production standards.
Highlighting major infrastructure initiatives, he pointed to the PM MITRA Park in Nagpur, the Amravati Textile Cluster, and established garment manufacturing hubs in Ichalkaranji, Solapur and Bhiwandi as key pillars supporting the state’s integrated textile ecosystem.
The Deputy Chief Minister also stressed the importance of promoting Maharashtra’s iconic heritage products, including Paithani sarees and Kolhapuri footwear, in international markets by leveraging their unique craftsmanship and cultural identity.
As part of preserving the state’s textile legacy, Maharashtra is developing a Textile, Craft and Cultural Museum at the historic India United Mill site in Byculla. The museum will showcase the state’s rich traditions in textiles, handicrafts and cultural heritage while serving as a landmark for industry and tourism.
During the conclave, Kartikay Dhanda, Secretary and CEO of the Textile Committee, Government of India, highlighted sustainability and traceability as becoming central to the future of India’s textile industry. He cited ongoing initiatives focused on textile waste recovery, circular economy practices, alternative fibres, improved cotton productivity and reducing compliance costs to enhance global competitiveness.
Milind Hardikar, Chairman of the ASSOCHAM Maharashtra State Council, said sustainability has evolved into a key competitive advantage for the textile sector and called for stronger collaboration across every stage of the value chain.
Echoing the theme, Alok Mishra, Co-Chair of ASSOCHAM, emphasised that renewable energy adoption, water efficiency and circularity present significant opportunities for creating long-term value across India’s textile industry.
The event also marked the release of ASSOCHAM’s knowledge report, “Advancing India’s 5F Vision for a Sustainable, Traceable and Globally Competitive Textile Value Chain,” which outlines strategic priorities for building a resilient, sustainable and internationally competitive textile ecosystem.