software platform “Jute-SMART” (Jute Sacking Supply Management & Requisition Tool) was
      implemented for procurement of jute sacking from 2016. Through this software, different state
      government agencies are procuring jute bags of around 27.0 to 30.0 lakh bales (68.0 per cent of
      the total production of jute goods) annually valued at about. ₹ 7,000 crores. This platform is an
      excellent example of e-Governance where multiple stakeholders are on the same platform
      managing the complex transactions relating to procurement of jute sacking in a transparent and
      fair manner for a number of state governments from a number of jute mills involving various
      intermediaries. Jute - ICARE has been launched for increasing the income of jute farmers by at
      least 50 per cent through promotion of certified seeds, better agronomic practices and use of
      microbial retting of the jute plant.
      Wool
           For the holistic growth of the wool sector, the Ministry formulated a new integrated
      formulated a new integrated programme i.e. Integrated Wool Development Programme, (IWDP).
      The programme is to be implemented through Central Wool Development Board in major wool
      producing states in next three years. A programme for development of Pashmina sector in J&K
      was announced.
      Technical Textiles
           Technical textiles are the future of the textiles industry. High tenacity fibers are the lightest
      and toughest fabrics yet. They have a variety of applications in automobile, aerospace,
      architecture and building, occupational therapy, sport and apparel industries etc. Eleven Focus
      Incubation Centres (FICs) have been established on plug and play model, five in COEs and six in
      IITs (Delhi, Bombay, Kanpur and Kharagpur) in order to help the potential entrepreneurs to enter
      into technical textiles. 44 demonstration centres in North-East (NE) Region and 9 Demonstration
      Centres in Rest of India have been set up for promoting usage of agro textiles. Textiles Research
      Associations (TRA) has developed carbon fibre based space communication system. Low cost
      modular toilets using jute fibres have been developed.
      Impetus to the Powerloom Sector
           The powerloom sector is predominantly an unorganised sector and has many micro and
      small units - with 24.86 lakh powerlooms producing 57 percent of the total cloth in the country.
      With a view to enhance quality and productivity of the powerloom, the Government launched IN
      SITU upgradation of plain powerlooms as part of PowerTex India under which plain powerlooms
      are attached with process control equipment leading to higher productivity, better quality and
      more than 50 per cent additional value realisation.
      New Initiatives
           Weavers’ Mudra Scheme: Weavers’ Mudra Scheme was launched to provide concessional
      credit to the handloom weavers. Margin Money Assistance to a maximum of ₹ 10,000 per
      weaver and credit guarantee for a period of 3 years is also provided.
           e-Dhaga App: Govt of India launched Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP) and e-
      Dhaga mobile App in 2016 to bring efficiency in service delivery to the handloom weavers and
      help them to access information on 24x7 basis. The App is available in 10 languages-Hindi,
      English, Assamese, Odiya, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Urdu and Bangla.