By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 21 Apr: Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles, visited the Forest Research Institute, here, on 20 – 21 April. He held a meeting today in the Boardroom of the FRI, in which, Ganesh Joshi, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Uttarakhand, Kanchan Devi, Director General, Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education, Dehradun, Dr Renu Singh, Director, Forest Research Institute, Senior scientist Dr AK Sharma, Director, Indian Jute Industries Research Association (IJIRA), Kolkata, Scientist, Silk Technical Service Centre, Prem Nagar, Dehradun, Assistant Director, Office of Development Commissioner Handicraft Service Centre, Ministry of Textiles, Dehradun, and others were present.
Director Dr Renu Singh welcomed the minister by presenting a 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 scientists of FRI, focusing on its innovative use 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’s 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.” She further highlighted the collaborative spirit of the meeting, stating, “Together, we are laying the groundwork for a greener, more prosperous industry.”
The Union Minister added, “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.
