The global movement towards environmentally responsible production found a vibrant hub in Assam, as the state played host to a significant international gathering focused on the future of natural fibres. An international symposium cum workshop titled “Pioneering Sustainable Innovations and Business Opportunities in Natural Fibres” was successfully convened, placing the spotlight on Assam's potential in the green economy.
A Confluence of Global and Local Expertise
The landmark event was organized on December 5 by the Department of Apparel and Textile Science (ATS) at the Assam Agricultural University (AAU) in Jorhat. It served as a dynamic platform, bringing together leading innovators, researchers, and business minds from across the world. The symposium saw notable participation from international delegates representing France and the Technical University of Denmark, alongside a strong contingent of Indian experts.
This collaborative effort was supported by key institutions including the Central Muga Eri Research and Training Institute (CMERTI) in Lahdoigarh, the Central Silk Board, and the ICAR – National Institute of Natural Fibre and Engineering Technology (ICAR–NINFET) from Kolkata. The core mission was to explore and promote the use of natural fibres as the foundation for greener, more sustainable business models.
Bridging Innovation with Market Viability
The symposium featured insightful presentations that connected academic research with commercial possibilities. Peter Clarke, Managing Director & CEO of COMTE PIERRE MOSAIC from France, delivered the keynote address. He provided a valuable European perspective on integrating natural fibres into high-end, sustainable fashion and business practices. Clarke emphasized the expanding global demand for ethical and traceable fibre sources, a niche where Northeast India, particularly Assam, holds significant promise.
Adding a Scandinavian dimension to the discussions, Firoz Babu Kadumudi, a senior researcher from the Technical University of Denmark, addressed the gathering. Kadumudi's presentation focused on linking cutting-edge Scandinavian research in material science with practical, sustainable applications in the textile industry, effectively narrowing the gap between laboratory innovation and market-ready solutions.
Showcasing Potential and Driving Research-Led Growth
The event also featured an exhibition that highlighted vibrant institutional innovations, promising startups, and entrepreneurial ventures operating within the natural fibre sector. This provided a tangible glimpse into the ongoing work and future potential of the industry.
Inaugural remarks were delivered by Kartik Neog, Director of CSB–CMERTI, Lahdoigarh, and Sanjay Kumar Chetia, Director of Research at AAU. Both stressed the critical importance of research-driven sustainable practices to propel the sector forward. The expert panel was further enriched by contributions from representatives of ICAR–CSWRI, CSIR–NEIST, USTM, and the DC's office from Cachar, offering diverse regional and institutional insights.
Bidyut Chandan Deka, the Vice-Chancellor of AAU, commended the department for creating this impactful platform that champions sustainability. He specifically highlighted the region's immense, yet underutilized, potential in premium natural fibres like Muga and Eri silk, urging for greater focus on their commercial and ecological value.
The symposium in Jorhat has successfully underscored Assam's strategic role in the global natural fibre landscape. By fostering international collaboration and emphasizing sustainable innovation, the event has paved the way for new business opportunities that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible.
