Guwahati, Jan 8 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, emphasized the state's rich textile legacy and emerging investment opportunities during the National Conference of Textile Ministers held in Guwahati. He positioned Madhya Pradesh as a vital hub for the textile industry's expansion.

In his address at the conference, themed “India’s Textile Industry – A Warp and Weft of Development, Heritage and Innovation”, CM Yadav highlighted the significant role of the textile sector in creating jobs, fostering industrial growth, and preserving cultural heritage. He commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for laying the foundation stone of India’s inaugural PM MITRA Park in Dhar district, calling it a pivotal step in strengthening the national textile framework.

According to him, the PM MITRA Park is set to be instrumental in elevating India to the ranks of the world's premier textile manufacturing centers and will significantly boost the nation’s economic landscape.

CM Yadav expressed Madhya Pradesh's eagerness to collaborate with the Centre in hosting the forthcoming National Textile Conference, scheduled for July 2026, and extended an invitation to Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh to consider Ujjain for the event. He hailed Ujjain as a historic textile hub and the sacred city of Lord Mahakal.

Stressing the blend of tradition and innovation, the Chief Minister showcased Madhya Pradesh’s heritage in renowned handloom products such as Maheshwari and Chanderi sarees, tracing their roots back to the era of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to enhance the production of high-quality mulberry silk and organic cotton, especially in regions like Narmadapuram.

“Our state government prioritizes the textile sector as a focus area for employment-oriented industrial development. Over the last 15 years, investments exceeding Rs 25,000 crore have been directed towards the textile value chain,” stated CM Yadav.

He also addressed the empowerment of women through their involvement in textile mills, handloom clusters, and spinning units, noting advancements in organic cotton, man-made fibers, technical textiles, and textile-based progress in tribal regions like Khargone and Budhni.

During the conference, Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh praised Madhya Pradesh's initiatives, particularly the advancement of the PM MITRA Park in Dhar, which received acclaim from attendees. He expressed the Centre's interest in collaborating with the state on new fibers such as linen from flax and milkweed.

He called upon states to concentrate on technical textiles and create investor-friendly strategies, highlighting that the textile sector is the second-largest employment generator after agriculture. Singh remarked that textile exports have surged by nine percent due to the current government's initiatives.

Emphasizing the broader benefits of PM MITRA Parks, Singh noted that such projects across multiple states, including Madhya Pradesh, could attract investments surpassing Rs 1 lakh crore and create extensive employment opportunities.

The two-day conference is attracting textile ministers and high-ranking officials from various states, with Union Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita also addressing the attendees. A Handloom and Handicraft Exhibition was inaugurated alongside the conference, showcasing India's traditional craftsmanship.

During his visit, CM Yadav is also expected to engage in discussions with the Assam government regarding wildlife exchange cooperation.