As of June 2024, The South India Textile Research Association (SITRA) stands as a cornerstone in India's textile research landscape. Over nearly seven decades, SITRA has been pivotal in fostering the growth of vital sectors within the Indian textile industry.

In an exclusive interview, Dr. Prakash Vasudevan, Director of SITRA, delved into the organization's latest initiatives and future plans. He provided valuable insights into the establishment of an exclusive research facility for man-made fibers (MMFs) and technical textiles, highlighting the dedicated team at SITRA, their comprehensive training programs, and the ambitious roadmap for the future. 

Dr. Vasudevan began by discussing SITRA's current focus areas, stating, "Our primary focus now is on value-added textiles, particularly synthetic textiles. Traditionally, SITRA has concentrated on cotton and its processes, such as spinning, weaving, knitting, and processing. However, due to changing industry requirements influenced by cotton price fluctuations, market conditions, and the need for diversification and value addition, we have shifted our focus towards synthetic textiles. Additionally, there is a growing demand for technical textiles, and we aim to support the MMF industry."

Elaborating on the initiatives to bolster the MMF segment, Dr. Vasudevan revealed, "We are currently utilizing our existing infrastructure, and we plan to establish an exclusive product development center by the end of this year. This facility will enable small-scale production of yarn, fabric, and dyeing with minimal quantities of fiber, which is particularly beneficial for expensive and exotic fibers. Regular machines cannot handle such small quantities, so we will implement miniaturized processes to accommodate these needs."

Through these initiatives, SITRA continues to lead the way in textile research and innovation, supporting the evolving demands of the industry and paving the way for future advancements in MMFs and technical textiles.