Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat, became a global hub for eco-textile dialogue as it hosted an International Symposium cum Workshop on December 5. Organised by the Department of Apparel and Textile Science (ATS), the event, titled “Pioneering Sustainable Innovations and Business Opportunities in Natural Fibres,” united international experts, scientists, and industry stakeholders to forge a greener future for the textile sector.
The symposium, a collaborative effort with the Central Muga Eri Research and Training Institute (CMERTI), the Central Silk Board, and ICAR–National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering Technology, emphasised translating natural fibre potential into viable, sustainable business models. An accompanying exhibition showcased innovations from startups and entrepreneurs, highlighting a vibrant local ecosystem ready for global integration.
Peter Clarke, Managing Director & CEO of COMTE PIERRE MOSAIC, France, delivered the keynote, outlining the high-value European market for ethical textiles. “There is a growing, conscious demand for traceable and sustainable luxury. The unique fibres from India’s Northeast, with their rich narrative, can command a significant premium in this space,” Clarke stated.
Dr Firoz Babu Kadumudi, Senior Researcher from the Technical University of Denmark, bridged advanced material science with practical application, emphasising, “Scandinavian research in sustainable processing can directly enhance the value chain of Indian natural fibres, making them more competitive and environmentally sound.”
Dr Kartik Neog, Director of CMERTI, and Dr. Sanjay Kumar Chetia, AAU’s Director of Research, stressed the imperative of research-driven commercialisation. In his address, Dr Bidyut Chandan Deka, Vice Chancellor of AAU, commended the initiative. “This platform is crucial for aligning our rich heritage in fibres like Muga and Eri with global sustainability standards. Assam is not just a producer; we aim to be an innovation leader in the global natural fibre economy,” he said.
