Surat textile units urged to modernise

The textile units in Surat needs to come out of sluggishness and modernise itself to survive as a vibrant industry in the highly competitive global market, speakers at a seminar here felt.

The seminar, 'Modern weaving machinery and its feasibility', was organised by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

A large number of weavers attended the seminar. Inaugurating the seminar, Surat (West) MLA Bhavnabahen Chapatwala said the weaving industry of Surat had carved a niche for itself over the years.

"However, use of new technology and technological upgradation have now become the need of the hour," she said. "Opt for new technology and produce better quality fabrics at affordable prices," she told the weavers.

Estimates by the government agencies and textile bodies put the figure of powerlooms functioning in Surat at about 6.5 lakh. However, most of these looms are outdated.

Rapier and water jet looms constitute a negligible percentage.

Deputy director of the Man Made Textile Research Association (Mantra), Prabhakar Bhatt, called upon the weavers to opt for modern Rapier and water jet looms.

"These looms are expensive but you have to take into cognizance the long-term benefits you derive over this deployment of capital," Bhatt said.

He also underlined the importance of modernisation and technological upgradation in the wake of the changing global trends. Bhatt presented a slide show on the benefits and advantages offered by modern Rapier and water jet looms as compared to the ordinary shuttle looms working in Surat.

Bhogilal Bachkaniwala of Himson Group of Surat said, "The time has come for the Surat textile industry to understand the circumstances we are in and change accordingly."

Bachkaniwala also called upon the industry to shrug off its sluggishness and study factors affecting the industry at the local and the global levels.

Mumbai-based additional textile commissioner Harcharandas said the textile industry of Surat should understand the importance of time.

"You can never usher in a revolution with old machines. If you want to change, you will have to opt for new and modern machinery," he said and asked the industry to take benefit of the different schemes launched by the textile ministry including the Textile Upgradation

Fund (TUF) scheme, Group Shed Project and the Powerloom Workers' Insurance.

SGCCI president Ashok Shah and vice president Dinesh Mandlaywala also spoke.