Jetpur-based dyeing and printing industry expects exports to dip by around 30% this fiscal as the global slowdown has impacted business growth.
Industry sources say as Jetpur primarily exports to African nations, the current economic situation in these countries has impacted exports in a big way. Also, the overall business growth has slowed down by almost 50% this year.
"In normal conditions our exports is around Rs 1,200 crore every year but this year it will be about Rs 800-850 crore as export orders from African countries are down by around 50%. We are exporting mainly to European and African countries and at present both Europe and Africa's economies are not doing too well.This has directly affected our exports”, said Rajubhai Patel, president of Jetpur Dyeing and Printing Association.
Jetpur exports sarees, dupattas, khangas and other textile materials to Kenya, Nigeria, Kongo, and other African countries.
Mansukhbhai Khachariya, past president of the Association said, "At present cotton prices in India are higher compared to China which is offering cotton at a 15% lower price compared to India. A lot of business is getting diverted to China."
Dyeing units have already cut down their production by 30-35% and have asked many workers to go home. At present all the units are running part time due to water shortage.
There are more than 1,000 units of dyeing and printing in Jetpur and surrounding areas with a turnover of around Rs 2,000 crore per year. The industry employs more than 40,000 workers including around 20,000 non-Gujarati migrant workers employed in these units.
Water scarcity is the leading problem for the industry. As this year monsoons were weak, dyeing units have to source water from other places which increases the production cost almost by 10%.
Rajubhai said, "We are getting water from bore well and tankers. Sourcing water like this is costly and we cannot depend on it for long time. Government is not providing water for industry as there is not enough water for drinking and irrigation in Jetpur area."
Bhadar dam, that is the main source for drinking water, irrigation and industry, is almost empty now. The units at Jetpur require around 8 to 10 million litres of water daily. At present, the availability is around 40% of requirement. The industry, which is more than five decades old, does not get water supply from the state government but largely depends on underground water. All units have their own bores.