- विज्ञापन -
Chandigarh: Punjab has seen a significant decline in textile and apparel exports, including handicrafts, dropping nearly 30% from $2.12 billion in FY 2021-22 to $1.5 billion in 2023-24, according to Union Minister of State for Textiles, Pabitra Margherita. In response to a query from Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora, he acknowledged the lack of specific data on the state’s market share in key regions like the US, EU, and Middle East.
To address this issue, the central government has launched ambitious initiatives aimed at revitalizing the sector’s global competitiveness, including integrated textile parks and tax rebate programs. National schemes like the PM Parks Scheme are designed to create integrated hubs for large-scale production, while the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme targets man-made fibers and technical textiles to enhance manufacturing efficiency. The National Technical Textiles Mission focuses on fostering innovation and market development in technical textiles. Additionally, under the Samarth Scheme, around 800 individuals in Punjab have received skill training since April 2021.
MP Arora has pointed out the necessity of diversifying Punjab’s textile exports in light of changing global trade dynamics and increasing competition. He emphasized the importance of advanced textile technologies and workforce development to maintain the sector’s competitiveness, highlighting the pressing challenges, including limited market access and the need for infrastructure improvements. However, the government’s focus on modernization and capacity building could pave the way for a sectoral revival.
