The Indian textile sector is one of the oldest sectors that date even before the British era. From handloom in villages to modern textile mills in cities and export houses, we have come a long way in this sector.
The textile industry in India took off when the first textile mill was established at Fort Gloster near Kolkata (the erstwhile Calcutta) in 1818. But it was only in the 1850s that the cotton textile industry made its presence felt with the mills in Mumbai (the erstwhile Bombay).
Today, the textile industry in India is the second-largest employer for both skilled and unskilled labour. The retail sector is also flourishing exponentially.
Textile Industry Market Size
Indias textile industry contributes 2% to the countrys GDP, and 7% of industry output in terms of value. In 2020-2, the share of textile, apparel and handicrafts in Indias total exports was 11.4%. India holds 4% share of the global trade in textiles and apparel.
Indias textile and apparel market size is expected to reach USD 226 billion by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 8.7 per cent between 2009 and 2023.
Government Initiatives
There are a number of initiatives and policies by the central government in providing the best in manufacturing and infrastructure to local artisans, technology and innovation, enhancing skills and strengths of the local industry.
These include -
- Amended Technology Upgradation Funds Scheme (ATUFS)
- PowerTex India Scheme
- Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks
- SAMARTH- scheme for capacity building in Textile Sector
- Silk Samagra- integrated silk development scheme
- North Eastern Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS)
- National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP)
- Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS).
- Labour law reforms
- A special package to boost investment, employment, and exports in the garments and make-up sector, and boost exports
