CAI signs MoU with Australian Cotton Shippers Association Indian farmers, ginners, brokers and other delegates present in the Seminar asked several questions concerning Australian cotton and opportunities for Indian cotton and textile sector and a very lively and interesting discussion ensued. A delegation from Australian Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA) comprising the Cliff White, Chair, ACSA; Jules Willis, CEO; Shay Dhareula, Ecom Commodities; Joel Hatherell, Olam Agri and Theodare Immanuel, Director, Austrade visited the Cotton Association of India (CAI). The delegates had a very fruitful introductory meeting with the CAI Board of Directors and they were taken around the historic Cotton Exchange building, which is a 100-years old heritage structure. Thereafter, a Seminar on Australian Cotton was held in the Conference Room of the CAI which was attended by a large number of representatives from the Indian cotton trade and textile industry. In his welcome address, Atul S Ganatra, President, CAI, laid emphasis on the advantages of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement which came into force on 29 December 2022, allowing duty-free access to Australian cotton into India with a specific quota of 51000 tonnes per year. Ganatra also exhorted the need for greater cooperation and further strengthening of business relations between the cotton industries of both countries. Thereafter, White made a very informative presentation on the Australian cotton scenario which was followed by one-hour Question-Answer session. Indian farmers, ginners, brokers and other delegates present in the Seminar asked several questions concerning Australian cotton and opportunities for Indian cotton and textile sector and a very lively and interesting discussion ensued. Later, in the evening, a Welcome reception for the visiting delegates was hosted by the CAI at the Cricket Club of India, where an MoU was executed between the CAI and ACSA envisaging mutual cooperation and to combine their efforts in the areas of exchanging ideas and information concerning cotton production, trade trends, global pricing, market outlooks, etc. relevant to both countries and to strengthen trade and improve market access and reciprocal support in assisting dialogue supporting the interests of their cotton industries. Ganatra and White signed this MoU in the presence of a large number of dignitaries and representatives from the trade and industry who were present on the occasion. The post CAI signs MoU with Australian Cotton Shippers Association appeared first on Indian Textile Journal.

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Meghalaya’s Ryndia Silk and Khasi Handloom Get GI Tag Recognition This official recognition has been documented by the Geographical Indications Registry under the Intellectual Property Office. The Government of India has granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags to Meghalaya’s Ryndia silk and Khasi handloom products, signifying a major milestone for the state’s traditional textile sector. This official recognition has been documented by the Geographical Indications Registry under the Intellectual Property Office. Ryndia, a distinctive handwoven fabric, is hand-spun, naturally dyed, organically produced, and ethically sourced. Alongside other handloom items from Meghalaya, it now holds GI status, validating its cultural significance and traditional craftsmanship. This development is expected to boost the identity, market value, and economic potential of these indigenous products, especially benefiting the artisans and weavers who have preserved these practices for generations. The initiative was driven by the Meghalaya Department of Textiles over a span of four years, with strategic support from NABARD and technical guidance from Dr Rajnikanth. The effort involved collaboration with the Meghalaya Ryndia Producers Association, resulting in a joint application submitted to the GI Registry. This journey gained momentum after the recognition of Umden-Diwon as Meghalaya’s first Eri Silk Village on February 12, 2021. Since then, the state has worked consistently to promote its traditional silk and handloom heritage. A delegation led by Principal Secretary of the Textiles Department, Frederick Roy Kharkongor, attended the final Consultative GI Group meeting held in Kolkata on November 20, 2024. The delegation included department officials, representatives from the Meghalaya Ryndia Producers Association, and local artisans from the Eri Silk Village. The GI tag is expected to enhance the visibility of Meghalaya’s traditional textiles on national and international platforms, while ensuring the protection and promotion of indigenous knowledge and heritage. News source: India Today NE The post Meghalaya’s Ryndia Silk and Khasi Handloom Get GI Tag Recognition appeared first on Indian Textile Journal.

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