Govt will take measures to make yarn affordable – Maran
05 Apr '10
2 min read
Speaking on the sidelines of an exhibition cum conference, the Union Textile Minister expressed his concern over the rising prices of cotton yarn and its impact on the handloom and ready-made garment sectors.
He gave the assurance that the government will take appropriate measures and steps would be taken to ensure yarn is available at affordable prices to these two vital sectors. He however, did not spell out the measures.
Cotton yarn prices have gone up by 30 percent in the last three months, with the latest price increase brought in to effect on April 1, 2010. The members of the Tirupur Exporters' Association had even gone on a fast against the decision.
Maran also said that, since China wasn't promoting handlooms in a big way, the sector could prove to be a huge strength for India, as it gave craftsmen the opportunity to create unique designs and sell worldwide, without competition.
He expressed the opinion that, since Tamil Nadu had one of the best managed handloom sector, the government would set up a 'Chennai Hat', on lines of the 'Delhi Hat', to help the handloom sector in the state.
This, he said, would help the handloom weavers directly display their wares to the buyers and help remove the middle-men and in turn help the poor weavers receive remunerative wages for their efforts.