The global drive towards environmentally responsible manufacturing found a vibrant hub in Assam, as the state played host to a significant international symposium and workshop. The event, titled “Pioneering Sustainable Innovations and Business Opportunities in Natural Fibres,” was convened on December 5 at the Assam Agricultural University (AAU) in Jorhat.
Global Minds Converge on Jorhat
Organised by the university's department of apparel and textile science (ATS), the gathering attracted leading international participants. Experts from France and the Technical University of Denmark joined the discourse, sharing cutting-edge perspectives on sustainable practices. The symposium was a collaborative effort involving the Central Muga Eri Research and Training Institute (CMERTI) in Lahdoigarh, the Central Silk Board, and ICAR – National Institute of Natural Fibre and Engineering Technology (ICAR–NINFET) from Kolkata.
A key feature was an exhibition that put the spotlight on dynamic institutional innovations, promising startups, and entrepreneurs already making strides within the natural fibre sector. This practical display underscored the tangible business potential waiting to be tapped.
European and Scandinavian Insights for Assam's Fibres
The keynote address was delivered by Peter Clarke, Managing Director & CEO of COMTE PIERRE MOSAIC, France. He provided a valuable European viewpoint on integrating natural fibres into high-end, sustainable fashion and business. Clarke emphasised the expanding worldwide demand for ethical and traceable fibre sources, a niche where northeastern India, with its unique resources, holds significant advantage.
Adding a Scandinavian dimension, Firoz Babu Kadumudi, a senior researcher from the Technical University of Denmark, addressed the assembly. Kadumudi's presentation focused on bridging the gap between advanced material science research and its practical, sustainable application in the textile industry, highlighting a pathway from academic innovation to commercial success.
Leadership Emphasises Research and Regional Potential
The inaugural session saw remarks from Kartik Neog, Director of CSB–CMERTI, Lahdoigarh, and Sanjay Kumar Chetia, Director of Research at AAU. Both leaders stressed the critical importance of grounding sustainable practices in robust research. The expert panel was further enriched by contributions from representatives of ICAR–CSWRI, CSIR–NEIST, USTM, and the DC’s office in Cachar, offering a wealth of diverse regional and institutional insights.
Bidyut Chandan Deka, Vice-Chancellor of AAU, commended the department for creating a dynamic platform that champions sustainability. He specifically pointed to the immense untapped potential of the region's native natural fibres, such as Muga and Eri silk, positioning them as cornerstones for future eco-conscious economic growth.
The symposium served as a clear signal that Assam is poised to become a major player in the global sustainable textiles market, leveraging its rich natural heritage through innovation and international collaboration.
