The day-long annual conference of State Textile Ministers began in New Delhi today. The conference presided by Union Textile Minister Smriti Irani is being attended by textile ministers and representatives from 10 States. Addressing the conference the Minister of State for Textiles Ajay Tamta, said the government is giving special focus on power loom sector through solar power. <br/><br/>He said, in the world market, Indian handicrafts demand is increasing and craftsmen should give special focus on dying arts. Noting that the contribution of textile sector is 17 per cent to the GDP, the minister said, the centre has been trying to provide healthy environment to textile industry workers. Mr Tamta said in view of the huge size of the textile industry and its diverse sectors, it needs workers of various skills and types.