Union Minister Discusses Bamboo’s Potential for Textile Industry at FRI Dehradun.

Shri Giriraj Singh Union Minister of textile visited Forest Research Institute on 20^th to 21^st April, 2025. He hold a meeting on 21^st, April, 2025 in the Boardroom of FRI in which, Shri Ganesh Joshi, Minister for Agriculture and farmers welfare, Uttarakhand, Smt. Kachan Devi, Director General, Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education, Dehradun, Dr. Renu singh, Director, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun Senior scientist of FRI, Dr. A.K. Sharma, Director, Indian Jute Industries Research  Association (IJIRA), Kolkatta, Scientist of Silk Technical service centre, Prem Nagar Dehradun, Assistant Director of Office of Development  Commissioner Handicraft Service centre, Ministry of textile, Dehradun and others were present in the meeting. The meeting was chaired by the Sh. Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of Textile, Government of India.

Dr. Renu Singh, Director, Forest Research Institute welcomed the Hon’ble minister by presenting a flower bouquet. Dr. Renu Singh, briefed attendees on their research, underscoring its significance and exploring future prospects in this field.

A brief presentation on Bamboo was presented by the scientist of FRI. Dehradun, focusing on the innovative use of bamboo for dissolving grade pulp (DGP) and its application in textile production. The team of FRI scientists presented findings from their evaluation of different Indian bamboo species for DGP production, a critical component in manufacturing textile fibers such as rayon and viscose. The research highlighted the selection of two among nine as top-performing species, boasting high alpha-cellulose content (over 52%), low ash and silica levels, and excellent pulping properties. This positions bamboo as a sustainable alternative to wood-based pulp, tapping into vast bamboo reserves of India.

The Union Minister lauded the effort, stating, “Bamboo rapid growth and sustainability make it an ideal resource for textile production, supporting our vision of a self-reliant, green economy.” Dr. Renu Singh added, “This research paves the way for bamboo use in high-value industries while uplifting rural livelihoods.” Dr. Renu Singh further highlighted the collaborative spirit of the meeting, with remark that, “Together, we are laying the groundwork for a greener, more prosperous industry.”

The Union Minister did not hold back enthusiasm: “This is about jobs, sustainability, and putting India on the global textile map.”  Discussions also covered future steps, including scaling up production, refining processes, and collaborating with textile manufacturers. The meeting marks a significant stride toward integrating bamboo into textile supply chain, promising eco-friendly solutions for a growing global market. The meeting wrapped up with a promise to push the research further, collaborating with industry to turn bamboo into a household name in fashion and beyond.