Speaking at a textile industry awards function, Chavan said, "If the export of cotton is banned, then it affects the cotton growers....If we have open policy on exports, similar to one adopted for imports, it will benefit the farmers."
The function was also attended by senior NCP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Chavan and Pawar were seen together in public for the first time after Pawar resigned from the ministry recently.
The new textile policy announced by the state government would create jobs for eleven lakh people in the long run, he said. Investment of Rs 40,000 crore was expected in the textile projects.
"About 263 textile projects are coming to the state, an investment of Rs 2,000 crore is expected from them and as many as 18,000 people will get jobs (in near future)," he added.
"Maharashtra ranks second in production of cotton. However, very little cotton processing is done in the state. 80 per cent cotton goes to other states like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, thus benefiting them," Chavan said.