North East on special focus of ministry of textiles

Out of the total 23.77 lakh handlooms in the country, 16.47 lakh or 69.28 per cent handlooms are in the North East region, as per the handloom census of 2009-10.

Three readymade garment manufacturing units have become fully operational in each of the 7 North Eastern states in a record time of 2 years. Each factory employs around 1,200 people, mainly women. These units have given a boost to the textile industry in the North East and has seen an increase in the export of readymade garments from the North East region, the textiles ministry said in an official release.

The new factories are owned by local entrepreneurs and agencies like the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), Arvind Mills and Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) are placing orders with these units.

“The specific objective of the ministry is to increase the value of textile production, technological upgradation, improvement in capability, better access to domestic markets and clusterisation,” the statement said.

The textiles ministry has provided Rs 18 crore fund to each readymade garment manufacturing unit called ‘Apparel Garment Unit’ (AGU). The National Building Construction Corporation has constructed the units in the 7 states. The garments manufactured here are being exported not only to other parts of the country but also to neighbouring countries as some North East states have trade ties with Bangladesh and Myanmar. The state governments provided 1.5 acres land to set up the units.

Besides this, Rs 690 crore has been utilised for the development of sericulture in the region. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India