Maharashtra, a significant cotton-producing state in India, is refocusing its efforts to increase the capacity for processing cotton. The goal of this programme is to maximise value addition benefits along the entire textile value chain. To achieve this, it is anticipated that the recently established state textile policy will attract investments totaling over 25,000 crore. Maharashtra is already acknowledged as the nation’s major textile hub.
The state cabinet on Tuesday authorised this policy, and it will go into force from 2023 to 2028. Within that time, it hopes to generate 500,000 new jobs in the industry.
Devendra Fadnavis, the deputy chief minister, provided commentary on the proposal in a tweet. He stated that “Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign” was the policy’s goal. This strategy is intended to increase cotton processing from the existing 30% to 80%.
Maharashtra is one of the top cotton producers, however due to the low processing capabilities of local mills, spinning mills primarily purchase their cotton from neighbouring states. Weaving and processing are well-known in Maharashtra.
In addition, the strategy intends to create the Maharashtra State Textile Development Corporation (MSTDC), a specialised organisation for supporting programmes for the industry. Additionally, six textile parks will be built throughout the state.
The policy intends to protect the state’s indigenous textiles, such as Paithani, Himru, Karvat Kathi, Khana, and Ghongadi, in addition to encouraging industrial development. The government will provide financial support to the makers of these traditional fabrics. Female weavers will receive Rs.15,000 and male weavers Rs.10,000 annually. Moreover, the state government plans to launch a programme providing a free saree annually to every family living below the poverty line (BPL) in the state.
