Thanks to sporadic agitations in northern and western parts of the country, the year so far has been tough for the Surat-based synthetic textile industry.
Agitations in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan due to Telangana and Gurjar, which resulted in roadblocks and fall in apparel demand, have left the synthetic textile industry reeling under a 20 per cent decline in business.
The ready made garments produced from Surat are much in demand in various parts of the country, resulting in tonnes of textile goods being sent daily to several states. However, when agitations resulted in roadblocks, supply to several parts took a hit from Surat.
In April, agitations in Andhra Pradesh due to Telangana issue took place, while earlier in January, the Gurjar agitation over reservation had resulted in roadblocks in Rajasthan, a major gateway towards northern parts of the country from Surat.
"Daily per truck 15 tonnes of ready made garments leave from Surat to other parts of the country. While during on-season the synthetic textile industry does 800-1000 trucks per day, during off-season the same hovers around 300-400 trucks daily. However, this year the agitations have taken a toll on the business which is down by 20 per cent," said Yuvraj Desale, president of Surat Textile Goods Transport Association (STGTA).
Even Anna Hazare's movement resulted in some loss, say textile traders in Surat.
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"We get business mostly when buyers from northern and southern parts come to get into bulk deals with us. However, apart from the Telangana and Gurjar agitations, even during Hazare's movement, buyers literally stopping coming down to Surat. In all, the Rs 80,000 crore industry has lost 20 per cent business so far due to this," said Devkishan Manghani, general secretary of Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association (FOSTTA).
While the ready goods industry in Surat is worth Rs 35,000 crore, the overall synthetic textile industry including spinning, weaving, processing and apparels put together is pegged at Rs 80,000 crore.
Apart from agitations, inflation has also played a spoilsport, said traders.
"The inflation has also reduced buying power of consumers, especially when the Surat's apparel industry targets the middle class for its products," added Manghani.
Meanwhile, the industry is hopeful that the upcoming festive season will offer much respite to its business.
According to Desale, orders are expected to increase for the remnant part of the year due to festive season.