On 20th of January 2024, Department of Botany in association with Institution’s Innovation Council, organized an Entrepreneurship Development Programme on “Plant Fibres in Textile Industry”. The programme aimed to
provide an overview of the properties, types, uses, and challenges of plant fibres in textile and technical applications. The programme provided a comprehensive overview of the growing significance of sustainable and eco-friendly materials in textile production. The focus was primarily on various plant fibres that have gained prominence as alternatives to traditional textile materials. The program was started at 10.30 a.m with Tamil Thai vazhthu by the student choir. Mr. A. Vijayaragunath, Managing director of Green Cotton TEX, Tirupur, was invited as the chief guest for the program to share his insights and experiences on various aspects of plant fibres. Dr. A. Logamadevi, Head of the Department of Botany delivered her welcome address. She shared her knowledge on the use of plant fibres by ancient people and the notes from various Puranas and religions such as Jainism and Buddhism on the usage of plant fibres in their Textile production. The program was presided over by Dr. R. Muthukumaran, Principal of the College, with his insights and views on entrepreneurship development. He
encouraged the students to come forward with their innovative start-up ideas by utilizing the programme. Dr. A. Sarvalingam, Asst. Professor, Department of Botany introduced the chief guest. The Resource person, being the Managing director of his textile industry, explained the classification, extraction, and functionalization of plant fibres along with production, processing, and marketing of jute fibres. He also discussed about knitted and woven fabrics and their role in textile industry. He focused on cotton, flax, and hemp fibres and also highlighted the environmental impacts of synthetic fibres and the need for sustainable textile practices. As a manufacturer of linen fabric, he shared his experience in the processes of rippling, retting and scutching which are responsible for turning flax into linen. He encouraged the students to bring forward their innovative ideas in establishing a start-up by gaining more knowledge related to their ideas. The programme underscored the pivotal role plant fibres play in steering the textile industry towards sustainability. As consumer preferences shift towards eco-friendly products, embracing plant fibres presents both environmental and economic benefits. The programme was concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. E. Neelamathi, Assistant professor, Department of Botany. The programme ended successfully with National Anthem.