According to N Kannan, Sr Merchandising Manager, Loyal Textile Mills, Chennai, one of the leading manufacturers of yarn, fabrics, garments, home textiles and organic products in India. Kannan is vocal on the fact that the textile industry in India which is represting the government under various umbrellas, should unite together as a single voice. According to him, that will also help the government understand the issues better.
“The textile industry in the last ten years has gone through the toughest times. However, the cultivation of cotton in this financial year seems to be supportive and approximately 400 lakh bels are expected for the cultivation.”, Kannan says further adding that this year has been the best in the last decade which had gone through trade wars, price fluctuations and more.
Associations Should Come Under Single body:
Kannan says, textile in India is is represented by various industry associations both at the material and geographical stand point. Most of the negotiations happen only through them. However, there should be one India and one textile association which will be the single voice of the Indian textile industry”, Kannan says. While he agrees that it is tough when it comes to practical implementation, he is also on the firm belief that the bigger association under the smaller committies like cotton,ginning, spinning , weaving , processing , garments, retail and apparel etc will help the Governments also to have a holistic approach towards the industry. “At present, while every industry is approaching the government at their individual capacity, the meaning of the word representation fails to do justice. Whatever profit the industry makes right now from the farmer to showroom, is straight, lenier. In many cases, the farmers are affected majorly. Thus, we need to have circular way of profit falling doen the value chain.”, Kannan affirms.
Growth in Technical Textiles:
According to Kannan, Loyal textile mills will be focussing on achieving 100 to 150% growth in the technical textile segment. “We as an organization has all sort of manufacturing facilities and we are betting big on the technical tectile segment. We see a huge demand coming for smart textile. For example, organizations would be expecting a textile that will avoid fire accidents in kitchens, water proof, anti-microbial in health care industry and more.”, Kannan said. On a concluding note, he said his company, even today depends majorly in the export market. “Our focus even today is the export. While the United States is the major focus, other focus markets would be Europe, Middle East, Japan and Australia etc”, he concluded.
By: B Swaminathan