Mumbai, Aug 19 (IANS) Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday said the state’s ‘Farm to Foreign’ initiative aims to connect farmers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and the global fashion industry, positioning Maharashtra as a major textile and export hub.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, DCM Shinde said Maharashtra is pursuing a ‘Five F’ approach: Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Factory, Factory to Fashion and Fashion to Foreign. The objective is not merely to process agricultural produce within the state but to create globally recognised brands from Maharashtra’s cotton, silk, jute and other agricultural products.
“Maharashtra has a long and distinguished association with the textile industry. Mumbai’s emergence as the country’s financial capital was closely linked to its historic textile mills. Building on this legacy, the state is now creating modern infrastructure and investment opportunities to give the textile sector a new direction,” he said while speaking as chief guest at the ‘Farm to Foreign Conclave 2026’.
He added that projects such as the PM MITRA Park in Nagpur and the Amravati Textile Cluster will provide fresh impetus to the textile industry, generate employment and strengthen Maharashtra’s economy.
Shinde emphasised that the future of manufacturing will depend not only on increasing production but also on making industries green, digital and transparent. The state is promoting ready-made garment clusters in major textile centres such as Ichalkaranji, Solapur and Bhiwandi, opening up new avenues for employment, entrepreneurship and investment.
He said the state is also focusing on providing women with modern tailoring and garment-making skills through initiatives linked to the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme. By connecting skill development with employment and entrepreneurship, these initiatives aim to create opportunities for women to become financially independent.
“Maharashtra’s traditional products, including the iconic Paithani sarees and Kolhapuri footwear, are also being promoted for international markets. A Textile, Craft and Cultural Museum is being developed at the historic India United Mill site in Byculla. The museum will showcase Maharashtra’s rich textile, handicraft and cultural heritage to visitors from India and abroad,” he noted.
Shinde said Maharashtra’s expanding infrastructure network will further strengthen the state’s position as a global manufacturing and export destination. The Samruddhi Mahamarg, Navi Mumbai International Airport and JNPA port will significantly improve connectivity and enable products manufactured in Maharashtra to reach domestic and international markets faster.
“We are not merely producing textiles from Maharashtra’s cotton; we are weaving the future of a developed India. We aim to see ‘Made in Maharashtra’ products on fashion shelves in London, New York and Paris in the near future,” he added.
–IANS
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