AMARAVATI, May 29: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday urged the Centre to support a series of textile and fibre-sector initiatives, including the establishment of a National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) campus in Amaravati and a PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park in Kuppam.
During a meeting with Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh at the State Secretariat, Naidu outlined a comprehensive roadmap aimed at expanding textile manufacturing, strengthening handloom infrastructure and creating additional income streams for farmers through value-added natural fibre production.
The Chief Minister highlighted Kuppam’s strategic location near major textile clusters across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, along with its extensive network of power looms and spinning mills, making it a suitable destination for a large-scale integrated textile park.
Seeking central assistance for the proposed NIFT campus, Naidu informed the Union Minister that the state government has already earmarked 10 acres of land in Amaravati and requested the release of funds required for the project.
The proposals also included the establishment of Integrated Wet Processing Parks in key textile clusters, a dedicated handloom park in Mangalagiri, and a Handloom and Handicrafts Museum in Amaravati. The state further sought priority status under the National New Age Fibre Mission to promote innovation in fibre based industries.
Emphasising Andhra Pradesh’s agricultural strengths, Naidu proposed wider commercial utilisation of fibres derived from horticultural crops. He requested support for setting up banana fibre extraction centres in major cultivation districts and promoting mechanised processing units through Self-Help Groups to generate rural employment.
According to the Chief Minister, fibre obtained from post harvest banana stems can be used in textiles, handicrafts, specialty paper, geotextiles and export-oriented products, offering an additional revenue source for growers.
He also advocated bamboo fibre-processing facilities under public-private partnership models to improve livelihoods in tribal and upland regions. In addition, he highlighted opportunities in areca sheath based products that could support eco-friendly manufacturing and small-scale enterprises.
For coastal districts, Naidu sought assistance for expanding coir processing infrastructure and geotextile production. He noted that coir-based products could play an important role in shoreline protection, erosion control and embankment reinforcement along Andhra Pradesh’s extensive coastline.
Responding to the proposals, Singh assured the state government of the Centre’s cooperation in advancing the initiatives.
Earlier, during a visit to a textile manufacturing unit in Krishna district, the Union Minister said efforts would be intensified to position Andhra Pradesh as a major textile manufacturing destination. He interacted with industry representatives and reviewed opportunities for expanding textile and silk production in the state.
Singh also stressed the need to improve cotton productivity, noting the significant gap between domestic and global yield levels. Discussions focused on measures to enhance output and strengthen the sector through policy interventions and technological improvements.
Acknowledging Andhra Pradesh’s strong handloom tradition, the minister said steps were being taken to further support the industry, with one cluster recently approved and another under active consideration.
He also pointed to emerging opportunities in advanced materials such as glass fibre, carbon fibre and graphene, describing them as key growth areas for the future of the textile sector.