The Standing Committee on Labour, Textiles, and Skill Development has advised the government to adopt an umbrella policy approach for the cotton sector. This approach would encompass measures to revive closed jute mills or establish new ones. Additionally, the committee suggests exploring alternative markets for silk exports, aside from the UAE, US, and EU, as a means to offset any potential decrease in export value.
Rather than scrapping import duties, the committee recommends incentivizing cotton farmers across the country and providing support regardless of their zone of cultivation. The committee further urges the Ministry to initiate a comprehensive study, addressing various aspects of cotton production, productivity, and soil systems. It also encourages expanding the area of cotton cultivation through irrigation.
Recognizing the significance of the jute sector in the national economy, the committee emphasises the urgent need for the formulation of a National Textile Policy. Moreover, the Committee on Estimates (2023-24) advocates for extending duty exemptions and implementing import duty rationalisations to counter the influx of low-cost, undervalued Chinese knitted fabric imports.
By implementing these recommendations, the government can foster growth and development in these important sectors, while ensuring the livelihoods of millions of individuals, particularly women and rural populations, are sustained.
