Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh visited the Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA) on Wednesday, where he reviewed the Milkweed (Aak) crop currently under cultivation on the institute’s campus. He noted that NITRA’s research on Milkweed has the potential to influence developments in the textile sector. He also stated that the fibre is considered a modern material and that NITRA has already transferred its technology to several companies, with discussions under way with others.
During the visit, the Minister formally dedicated India’s first Manikin Flame Test System, installed at NITRA in Ghaziabad, to the nation and the industry. He said the testing system is expected to support multiple sectors — including textiles, steel, oil, gas, petroleum, railways and chemicals — by improving safety for workers operating in hazardous environments.
Dr M. S. Parmar, Director General of NITRA, said the new technology reinforces the importance of protective clothing and will help determine the appropriate type of protective wear required across different industries.
The Minister also encouraged industries to develop additional Milkweed-based products and continue advancing NITRA’s research both domestically and internationally. He further urged all sectors to make use of the Manikin Flame Test Facility and other services offered by NITRA’s Centre of Excellence in Protective Textiles under the Ministry of Textiles.
