Ludhiana textile industry emphasis on innovation, govt support

The event was organised by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) and ITMA in Ludhiana, with the support of local industry organisations.

Jasbir Singh Sokhi, president of The Ludhiana Sewing Machine Technology Park Association, stated at the event, “We are no longer self-reliant Indian entrepreneurs. We are severely lacking in innovation, which has reached an alarming level. Punjab once led the world in sewing machine production. However, in just two decades, Chinese brands like Zach have captured over 75 per cent of the domestic market. Although we serve as original equipment manufacturers for various foreign brands, we have failed to develop our own brand identity.”

Vinod Thapar, chairman of the Knitwear Club, said, “Women excel in the hosiery sector, yet Ludhiana has failed to attract significant female participation in its hosiery and knitting industries. Currently, women make up just 10 per cent of the workforce, although there is potential for 40 per cent participation. The industry also lacks infrastructure and facilities to support women workers.”

Avatar Singh Bhogal, senior vice president of the United Cycled and Parts Manufacturers Association (UCPMA), cited the example of their industry. He noted that Chinese companies are exporting bicycles at prices equivalent to the cost of a single component. While the Indian industry is producing 15 kg bicycles, there is growing global demand for lightweight 1.5 kg carbon fibre bicycles. Bhogal lamented that the Indian bicycle industry lacks the infrastructure and technology to compete globally and is not future-ready.

Rajesh Bansal, a prominent industrialist from Ludhiana, pointed out that the domestic industry is burdened by environmental compliance costs. He emphasised that small enterprises need government support, particularly in addressing pollution concerns. Currently, no subsidies are available for effluent treatment equipment for small and medium industries.

Chandrima Chatterjee, secretary general of CITI, stated that the PM MITRA scheme and the free trade agreement (FTA) with the UK will open new opportunities for the domestic industry. Meanwhile, ITMA’s Suraj Dhawan stressed the urgent need to foster innovation and support startups.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KUL)