Cotlook Index: 12-08-2026
94.95 (+0.50)
Address by Shri Vinay N. Kotak, President, CAI at the inaugural session of the MCX Global Commodity Conclave in Mumbai on 13th August 2026
Futures have mainly three functions: first, price discovery; second, providing an opportunity for hedging and mitigating price risk; and third, indirectly helping to ease liquidity constraints for market participants. We need futures to become a success story in order to fulfil the dreams of our Prime Minister of achieving $100 billion in exports by 2030 and doubling farmers' income. Without proper futures, achieving these objectives will be a difficult task. For farmers, if they have price discovery in advance, they can take a call on whether they should go for cotton or any other agricultural product, which will help them increase their income. Secondly, when they feel that the market price is very high but the harvest is not yet ready, they can sell futures and earn profits. Thirdly, even if they feel that the price is not right but they need money and therefore have to sell their stock, they can sell the cotton, obtain liquidity, and buy futures. This can help farmers become more financially secure and prosperous. Regarding other participants across the textile value chain, from garment and textile producers to yarn producers, the common objective is to achieve $100 billion in exports. Frankly, in exports, garments require advance orders of at least six months, while yarn is required around three months in advance. So, how can exporters commit to such orders without adequate hedging facilities? It is therefore very important for exporters to have access to futures so that they can hedge themselves. By hedging, they can lock in their profits and increase overall exports. Today, many participants take very limited positions because adequate hedging facilities are not available. Only large mills or large groups like MNCs have the option of hedging themselves through international exchanges such as ICE, while most general traders and small mills are not in a position to make proper use of these facilities. Therefore, it is very necessary for medium-sized groups also to have access to cotton futures for hedging so that they can compete, participate effectively and increase their share of exports. There are four types of participants in the futures market: hedgers, speculators, institutional investors and arbitrage traders. All four categories can participate in futures, but the major issue is liquidity. It is an egg-and-chicken story: participants feel that there should be sufficient liquidity before they participate, but if they do not participate, how can liquidity increase? This is a major challenge. Ultimately, the success of futures depends on sufficient and good liquidity in the market. So, what should we do as participants? I am not very sure of the exact figures, since I have not done the calculation, but there are around 4,000 mills in India, 4,000 traders, perhaps 1,000 brokers and another 1,000 traders, without even counting other manufacturers. At least 10,000 participants directly related to cotton are therefore present in India. Even if 10% of them, or 1,000 participants, put just 100 bales lots on the screen every day, either to buy or to sell at whatever price they want, the screen would be full, with around 100,000 bales available. The exchange is providing the facility; it is not their duty alone to ensure liquidity—it is our duty as participants to ensure that liquidity increases. Therefore, it is not really a chicken-and-egg problem; it has to start with us. We have to make small efforts. Even if only 10% of participants do this, the futures market can become successful. The government can also take several steps to improve liquidity. First, it should promote free trade. Second, it should reduce unnecessary interventions. Third, for contracts that have low liquidity or are new or renewed contracts, the government should allow market making. A new contract needs support in its initial stage; just as a small baby needs more nursing, a new futures contract needs greater support. Therefore, for the period of two years, market making should be officially permitted for these products. Another thing the government can do is promote hedging. If participants are hedging, they are protected and the banks are also safer. The government could allow an incentive of around 1% interest per annum for those who hedge in the market. This would also increase liquidity and encourage exporters to enter the futures market. I would also like to frankly share my own views regarding liquidity, although many people may not agree with me. There is a misconception in our economy that more the delivery, more liquidity, which is not correct and is not sustainable. If we look at the USA, they are doing an average of around 50,000 contracts per day in 2026, which is equivalent to approximately 5 million bales, or 50 lakh bales, a day. Similar activity is also seen in China, where hardly half a percent is in deliveries. The success of these two major futures markets provides a clear lesson that the belief that more delivery means more liquidity is a myth. I propose that all of us—the government, the exchange and all market participants—come together and become Atmanirbhar in futures. Today, if we want to hedge ourselves, we have to rely on international exchanges. We are the second-largest consumer and second-largest producer in the world, yet we still have to depend on international exchanges. Therefore, I recommend that all of us, including myself, work together so that we can become Atmanirbhar in futures contracts.
ICE cotton records mixed trend after WASDE report
Thu. 13th Aug 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: ICE cotton futures were mixed, with December 2026 settling at 84.38 cents, down 0.01 cent, while other active contracts gained 8 to 48 points. Trading volume rose 24.5 per cent to 55,196 contracts as traders repositioned around USDA WASDE and August CPI data. World 2026-27 ending stocks were cut to 69.685 million bales, the lowest since 2011-12, supporting cotton fundamentals.
ICE cotton futures registered a mixed trend yesterday. The most active December 2026 contract finished with a slight loss but other nearby contracts gained. The market digested the USDA’s WASDE report as it recovered after a brief decline. The world supply-demand report showed lower closing stocks and higher production.The most active December 2026 contract settled at 84.38 cents down just 0.01 cent. The contract reached an intraday high of 85.25 cents, the highest level since May 14. December contract was essentially unchanged for the week so far at just 2 points lower, but the broader trend remains exceptionally strong after the recent multi-week rally.The market traded in a wide range around the USDA report, with December first moving above 85 cents, then selling off after the WASDE release before recovering almost all of the decline by the close. Other active contracts finished higher by 8 to 48 points, showing that the weakness was concentrated mainly in December after its test of the major 85 cents resistance zone. Trading volume jumped to 55,196 contracts, up 24.5 per cent from Tuesday's 44,312 contracts, confirming heavy participation as traders repositioned around the USDA WASDE report and the August CPI data. The major fundamental event was the USDA August WASDE report. The market initially sold the report, but prices recovered as traders digested the details. World 2026-27 ending stocks were reduced to 69.685 million bales, down 1.539 million bales from the previous estimate. This is the lowest projected world ending-stock level since 2011-12, a significant long-term bullish fundamental. Market analysts said that the report was appearing relatively neutral, noting that the numbers were not an outright bearish surprise despite the increase in acreage. The initial bearish reaction therefore appears to have been more about market positioning and expectations than genuinely bearish fundamentals. Crude oil prices continued to decline, extending a roughly three-week slide, as Middle East tensions remained contained and expectations for global oil demand weakened. The decline in crude creates some pressure on cotton by making polyester and other synthetic fibres relatively cheaper. At the same time, lower energy prices reduce production costs for synthetic fibres, potentially increasing competition between cotton and polyester and limiting cotton's upside at very elevated price levels. CBOT corn and soybean futures also extended their declines following the USDA report, adding to pressure across agricultural commodities. ICE Certified Stocks fell further to 80,741 bales as of August 11, down from 82,513 bales on the previous trading day. The continued decline reinforces the extremely tight nearby deliverable-supply situation. China's State Reserve Auctions remain another major demand pillar. The previous session marked the 17th consecutive 100 per cent sellout, taking cumulative auction sales to approximately 136,298 tonnes. Overall, the August WASDE report was fundamentally supportive rather than bearish: world ending stocks fell to 69.685 million bales—the lowest since 2011-12—while consumption exceeds production by 5.286 million bales and US ending stocks were cut to 4.0 million. Yet cotton initially sold off because traders had already priced in an even tighter report. This morning (Indian Standard Time), ICE cotton for December 2026 was traded at 82.84 cents per pound (down 1.54 cents), cash cotton at 79.46 cents (up 0.12 cent), the October 2026 at 82.90 cents (down 0.31 cent), the March 2027 contract at 84.79 cents (down 1.53 cents), the May 2027 contract at 86.08 cents (down 1.44 cents), and the July 2027 contract at 85.72 cents (down 1.32 cents). A few contracts remained at their previous closing levels, with no trading recorded so far today.
India textiles minister opens IIHT SUTRA 2026 in New Delhi
Thu. 13th Aug 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: India's textiles ministry opened IIHT SUTRA 2026 in New Delhi, convening stakeholders on the future of handloom education. It aims to make IIHTs centres for technical education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration in handlooms. MoUs with Grasim, NITRA and IIM Sambalpur cover curriculum, internships, testing, research, leadership and capacity building.
India’s Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, organised IIHT SUTRA 2026, the inaugural national conclave of the Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology, at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. The conclave brought together policymakers, academia, industry leaders, research institutions, distinguished alumni and students to discuss the future of handloom education and its role in strengthening India’s handloom ecosystem. It was held under the theme IIHTs: Weaving the Future of the Indian Handloom Sector – Educate. Innovate. Transform. The Ministry of Textiles in a press release said the event marked a step towards repositioning the Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology (IIHTs) as centres of excellence for technical education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration in the handloom sector. Giriraj Singh, India's Minister of Textiles, inaugurated the conclave in the presence of Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles; Dr. Beena M, Development Commissioner (Handlooms); and other dignitaries representing government, industry, academia and the handloom sector. Addressing the gathering, Singh said India’s handloom sector represents the country’s cultural heritage and is also a source of livelihoods, women’s empowerment, exports and sustainable economic development. He said preservation of handloom traditions should move alongside technological advancement, innovation, entrepreneurship and research. The Minister also underlined the role of IIHTs in developing skilled technocrats who can support productivity improvement, design innovation, technology upgradation and the long-term competitiveness of the handloom sector. He noted that six Central IIHTs and five State IIHTs have, over the past seven decades, produced skilled professionals contributing to industry, entrepreneurship, exports, research and public institutions. Singh also referred to the recent expansion of B.Tech programmes, strengthening of research initiatives, modernisation of laboratories and infrastructure, student support measures and international training programmes undertaken by the IIHTs.
Rao emphasised the need to continuously modernise handloom education by aligning curricula with emerging technologies, strengthening industry partnerships, promoting applied research and encouraging innovation-led learning. She said IIHTs should prepare graduates not only for employment, but also for entrepreneurship, leadership and research in the textile and handloom sectors.
Dr. Beena M described IIHT SUTRA as a long-term institutional initiative of the Ministry of Textiles to create a collaborative national platform for IIHTs. She said the initiative seeks to strengthen partnerships amongst government, industry, academia, research institutions and alumni, while enabling IIHTs to become future-ready institutions supporting innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship and technological advancement in handlooms. A key part of the inaugural session was the exchange of three strategic Memoranda of Understanding aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration across industry, research and management education.
· Grasim Industries Limited signed an industry partnership for curriculum enrichment, internships, industry exposure, skill development and collaborative initiatives.
· Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA) signed a research and technology partnership for collaborative research, testing, innovation, technical support and capacity building.
· Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Sambalpur signed an academic and management partnership for leadership development, entrepreneurship, innovation, faculty development and institutional capacity building.
The Ministry said these partnerships are expected to provide a structured framework for closer engagement between IIHTs and leading institutions, improving the quality and relevance of technical education in the handloom sector.
Adopt fair trading practices to take 'Make in India' global: Goyal
Wed. 12th Aug 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal urged fair trading practices, recycling, reuse and circular-economy participation to strengthen the Make in India brand globally. He said nine free trade agreements have opened markets for Indian industry, supporting preferential access for exporters and MSMEs. With exports at a record $863 trillion last year, Goyal set a $1 trillion target for the current year.
India's Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has urged businesses and citizens to adopt fair trading practices, promote recycling and reuse, and support a circular economy while taking Indian products and services to global markets. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Goyal called for collective efforts to strengthen the 'Make in India' brand by building respect for India's quality, design capabilities and branding. The minister noted that markets had been opened for Indian industry and businesses through nine free trade agreements, giving India preferential access in international trade. He highlighted the role of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), employees, fishermen, farmers, entrepreneurs and the services sector in taking Indian offerings to global markets. He said India's economy is around $4 trillion and that the country is moving towards a vision of becoming a $30 trillion economy by 2047. Goyal added the world is seeking to increase trade relations with India and that such a growth opportunity requires collective participation from businesses, entrepreneurs and citizens. The goods and services exports reached a record $863 trillion last year, comprising $442 trillion in merchandise exports and $421 trillion in services exports. He noted exports had grown around 73 per cent over the last six years. For the current year, he put the export target at $1 trillion and said exports grew almost 15 per cent during the first four months from April to July, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said in a press release. Goyal said self-reliance and national development go together, and urged citizens to become part of the country's transition. He referred to initiatives undertaken since 2014, including Digital India, Startup India, Stand-Up India and large-scale infrastructure development, saying these had strengthened industry and business and created opportunities for young people.
The Minister said Swadeshi represents products made in India through the effort of Indian citizens, and called on businesses to move beyond limited markets and take local products and services worldwide. He said greater participation by Indian consumers in Indian products would create opportunities, increase production and trade, enable economies of scale and make businesses more competitive. Goyal also cited the collective strength of travellers, MSMEs, start-ups, farmers, fishermen, labourers and entrepreneurs, saying this would help India take its products and services to the world. The reform process involves improvement, transformation and performance, and that stakeholders have a responsibility to demonstrate their capabilities through their work, addedd the release. GDP growth would naturally lead to higher production and employment opportunities. Young people returning to India after education or acquiring new skills through skill development centres would bring new solutions to emerging challenges, he added.
World cotton output may rise, but supplies set to fall: WASDE Report
Thu. 13th Aug 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: World cotton output for 2026-27 is raised to 117.63 million 480-pound bales, but supplies are lowered as beginning stocks fall. Consumption is raised to 122.9 million bales, supported by higher mill use in China, India, Vietnam and Indonesia. Global ending stocks are cut to 69.7 million bales, while the US production forecast is reduced to 13.61 million bales.
World cotton production for 2026-27 was raised by more than 370,000 bales in the August estimate to 117.63 million 480-pound bales, from 117.26 million bales projected in July. The increase was driven mainly by larger crops in Brazil, Greece and Turkiye, which more than offset a downward revision to US production. Despite the increase in output, global cotton supplies were lowered by nearly 550,000 bales, as lower beginning stocks more than outweighed the rise in production. The demand outlook strengthened considerably. Global cotton consumption for 2026-27 was raised by nearly 1 million bales to 122.9 million bales, supported by higher mill use in China, India, Vietnam and Indonesia. These increases more than offset lower consumption estimates for Bangladesh and Egypt. International cotton trade is also expected to remain firm. Global trade for 2026-27 was raised by nearly 500,000 bales to 43.8 million bales, with higher Brazilian exports and stronger import demand from India, Vietnam and Indonesia.
The combination of tighter supply and stronger demand has resulted in a significant reduction in projected global inventories. World ending stocks for 2026-27 have been cut by more than 1.5 million bales to 69.7 million bales, bringing the global stocks-to-use ratio down to 56.7 per cent. The tightening trend is also visible in the current 2025-26 season. Global production was raised marginally, while consumption was increased by more than 900,000 bales, again led by China, India, Vietnam and Indonesia. Exports were raised by more than 720,000 bales, reflecting updated trade data from Brazil, Greece, India and Turkiye. As a result, global ending stocks for 2025-26 were reduced by more than 900,000 bales, primarily due to lower inventories in India, China and Brazil. The stocks-to-use ratio for the season is now estimated at 61.9 per cent. While the US cotton outlook has also turned tighter, with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) cutting its 2026-27 production forecast despite a substantial increase in planted acreage. Cotton production is now forecast at 13.61 million bales, more than 90,000 bales below the July estimate and nearly 300,000 bales below the 2025-26 crop. The USDA raised planted area by more than 600,000 acres to 10.47 million acres, around 6 per cent above the June acreage report. Harvested area was also increased to 8.19 million acres, more than 8 per cent higher than last month. However, the larger acreage is being offset by lower expected yields. The national average yield forecast was reduced by 74 pounds to 798 pounds per harvested acre, with projected yields in several states below last season's levels.
With production lower, US ending stocks for 2026-27 are projected at 4 million bales, resulting in a stocks-to-use ratio of 28.8 per cent. The projected season-average farm price was raised by 2 cents to 75 cents per pound.
There was no change to the US 2025-26 supply and demand balance sheet, although the season-average farm price was lowered by 1 cent to 61.5 cents per pound.
Maharashtra Cotton, Soybean Sowing Trails
Wed. 12th Aug 2026, Yash Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Cotton and Soybean Sowing Lower in Maharashtra Compared to Last Year
As of August 10, 2026, cotton and soybean sowing in Maharashtra has been lower compared to the same period last year.
Cotton: Cotton has been sown across 37.86 lakh hectares so far this year. By August 11 last year, the figure stood at 38.39 lakh hectares. This indicates a shortfall of 53,835 hectares in cotton sowing this year.
Oilseeds: Total oilseed sowing this year covers 49.85 lakh hectares, compared to 50.70 lakh hectares last year. This represents a decrease of 84,691 hectares in oilseed sowing. Soybean: Soybean sowing has been carried out on 48.33 lakh hectares this year, down from 49.26 lakh hectares last year. This marks a reduction of 93,320 hectares in soybean sowing.
Impact of Rainfall
Timely and adequate rainfall is crucial for cotton and soybean crops; good rainfall promotes better crop growth.
However, continuous heavy rainfall leading to water stagnation in fields can damage the crop and increase the risk of disease. Conversely, prolonged dry spells between rainfall events can lead to soil moisture depletion in rain-fed areas.
Ministry of Textiles to Celebrate Women Weavers Through ‘Srijan: Voices from the Loom’
Wed. 12th Aug 2026, (Source: www.pib.gov.in)
Over 100 Women Weavers from Six Handloom Clusters to share their stories of Resilience, Creativity and Role in preserving India’s Weaving Traditions The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, will organise ‘Srijan: Voices from the Loom’, a special gathering celebrating the women behind India’s handlooms and recognising their inspiring journeys, voices and contributions to the weaving heritage of the country. The programme will be held on 13 August 2026, at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
The event will bring together 100+ women weavers from six handloom clusters across India, providing a platform to celebrate their lived experiences, resilience, creativity and role in carrying forward India’s rich weaving traditions. The programme will also witness the release of an anthology featuring the inspiring stories, journeys and voices of these women weavers, bringing their experiences from the loom to a wider audience and highlighting the human stories that lie at the heart of India’s handloom sector. The event will be graced by Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Textiles and Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms). Ms. Kanta Singh, Deputy Country Representative, UN Women India, will be the Guest of Honour. ‘Srijan: Voices from the Loom’ seeks to place women weavers at the centre of the conversation on India’s handloom heritage, acknowledging not only their contribution to the sector but also their individual journeys, aspirations and voices.
Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Approves Major Financial Support for Rajasthan and Telangana Under RKVY and KY
Thu. 13th Aug 2026, (Source: www.pib.gov.in)
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has approved major financial allocations for Rajasthan and Telangana under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PMRKVY) and the Krishonnati Yojana. Considering the progress, expenditure status and interests of farmers in both states, Rajasthan is being allocated Rs 340.59 crore, while Rs 265.12 crore is being released to Telangana. Shri Chouhan also congratulated the Telangana Agriculture Minister for the state’s new model for Farmer ID and fertiliser distribution. He extended his best wishes to the Rajasthan Government for the comprehensive development of agriculture and called for special attention to the status of Kisan Credit Cards. Shri Chouhan held a virtual meeting from Bhopal today with Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Shri Kirori Lal Meena and Telangana Agriculture Minister Shri Tummala Nageswara Rao, during which significant financial approvals were issued to both states under the two major agricultural schemes, PM RKVY and Krishonnati Yojana. Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Secretary Shri Atish Chandra and senior officials from the Union Government participated in the meeting, along with senior agriculture officials from both states. The approvals were issued following a review of the annual action plans approved during the Project Approval Committee meetings of the two states, utilisation of the first Mother Sanction and expenditure progress achieved so far.
Rajasthan
For Rajasthan, the PAC meeting held on April 20, 2026, approved an annual action plan of Rs 849.37 crore for 2026-27, including a Central share of Rs 509.62 crore. Subsequently, a first Mother Sanction of Rs 216.13 crore was issued on May 4, 2026. As of today, the state has incurred expenditure of Rs 164.39 crore, representing 76.06 per cent of the first Mother Sanction. Following Shri Chouhan’s approval, Rajasthan is now being allocated a total of Rs 340.59 crore, comprising Rs 216.12 crore under the RKVY head and Rs 124.47 crore under the KY head.
Telangana
For Telangana, the PAC meeting held on April 27, 2026, approved an annual action plan of Rs 651.06 crore for 2026-27, including a Central share of Rs 390.63 crore. A first Mother Sanction of Rs 157.65 crore was issued on May 12, 2026. The state has incurred expenditure of Rs 96.05 crore as of today, accounting for 60.93 per cent of the sanctioned amount. Based on the expenditure progress, and following the approval of Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Telangana is now being allocated a total of Rs 265.12 crore, comprising Rs 157.66 crore under the RKVY head and Rs 107.46 crore under the KY head.
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan appreciated Telangana’s new model for Farmer ID and fertiliser distribution and congratulated the state’s Agriculture Minister for the initiative. He said the model would help deliver services to farmers in a more transparent and effective manner.
The Union Agriculture Minister also noted that Telangana’s expenditure under the Oilseeds and Pulses Missions is relatively behind schedule. He emphasised the need for regular monitoring of expenditure and implementation progress under these missions by the state.
For Rajasthan, Shri Chouhan extended his best wishes to the state government for the comprehensive development of agriculture and called for special attention to the Kisan Credit Card situation to ensure that farmers receive timely and hassle-free access to credit support.
Shri Chouhan said the financial approvals are aimed at ensuring the timely and effective implementation of agricultural schemes in the states. He said that under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Central Government is working in close coordination with states to strengthen resources, technical assistance and monitoring in the interest of farmers. The financial allocations are expected to accelerate activities related to agricultural infrastructure, productivity enhancement, input support and farmer welfare in both states. Shri Chouhan expressed confidence that the releases would speed up the implementation of schemes at the state level and ensure that their benefits reach farmers in a more effective manner.
India ITME 2026 roadshow begins with Coimbatore curtain-raiser
Thu. 13th Aug 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: India ITME Society has launched its campaign for India ITME 2026 with a curtain-raiser in Coimbatore. Scheduled for December 4–9 in Greater Noida, the event expects over 1,800 exhibitors, participation from 95-plus countries and over 150,000 visitors. It will showcase advanced textile machinery, sustainable manufacturing and next-generation technologies.
The India ITME Society has kick-started the promotional campaign for India ITME 2026, the 12th edition of the country’s premier textile machinery and technology exhibition, scheduled to be held from December 4–9, 2026, at The India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida. The promotional campaign formally commenced with a preview event at Coimbatore, bringing together prominent stakeholders from the textile industry. Mr. Ketan Sanghvi, Chairman, India ITME Society, said that the 2026 edition would be the largest in the history of the India ITME series. “The 12th edition of India ITME will bring the global textile industry together on an unprecedented scale, with 1,800-plus exhibitors, participation from more than 95 countries and over 1,50,000 expected visitors. Spread across approximately 2,40,000 sq. m. and 18 exhibition halls, India ITME 2026 will be a strategic destination for the textile machinery and engineering industry,” he said. With the theme ‘ITME Next’, the exhibition will focus on India’s growing capabilities in advanced textile machinery, sustainable manufacturing and next-generation textile technologies. Aligned with initiatives such as Make in India, PM MITRA Parks and the National Technical Textiles Mission, the event will also highlight resource efficiency, circular economy models and technologies aimed at reducing environmental impact while enhancing productivity and competitiveness. Offering an industry perspective, Mr. Prabhu Dhamodharan, Convenor, Indian Texpreneurs Federation (ITF), said the Indian textile industry was currently in a favorable position following several years of turbulence. “India is in a sweet spot today. The FTAs, GST reforms, supply chain resilience, and the growing importance of nearshoring are creating a favorable environment for Indian textiles. With 95 per cent of the textile value chain supported domestically, India has a unique advantage in an increasingly uncertain global environment,” he said. He added that India’s FTAs could provide significant opportunities for textile and apparel exports, provided the industry continued investing in technology, innovation and product development. “The opportunities are substantial, but to capitalize on them, we need to build capabilities. Exhibitions like ITME provide the ideal platform for the industry to discover technologies, forge partnerships and accelerate this transformation,” he added. The Coimbatore curtain-raiser also highlighted the diverse attractions planned for India ITME 2026. ‘Textile Horizons’, a two-day international conference, will be held on December 5–6 alongside the exhibition. A ‘CEO Conclave’ and the ‘ITME Technical Awards’ will be among the other key highlights. Dr. Seema Srivastava, Executive Director, India ITME Society, expressed her appreciation for the industry’s continued support. “The presence of the who’s who of the South Indian and national textile industry today is extremely encouraging. Your support motivates us to work harder and make India ITME 2026 a truly meaningful platform for the industry,” she said.
To avail Special discounted Visitor Registration kindly attend the program at below locations
Erode : August 12, 11 am
Erode Textile Mall Pvt Ltd (Texvalley)
NH 544, Salem - Cochin Highway, Gangapuram Chithode, Erode
Salem : August 12, 6.00 pm
Hotel The Radisson Salem
157/3-A, Bangalore Highway, Mamangam, Salem
Madurai : August 13, 6.00 pm
Hotel Royal Court Madurai
No. 4, West Veli Street, Opposite Madurai Railway Station, PKS Colony
S. Senthil Kumar, honorary treasurer, India ITME Society, extended the vote of thanks. The event was attended by nearly 100 key exhibitors and visitors.
