Perturbed over the rise in cotton prices, exporters of Panipat have decided to go on a strike on November 25 .
With over 250 export units in Panipat exporting wide range of home textile products, the total exports from Panipat of Rs 2860 crore were registered in the financial year period of 2008-09.
The strike by Panipat exporters comes just few days after Knitwear industry across India had called for a strike raising similar concerns.
Panipat Exporters Association has alleged increasing cotton prices as causing a serious threat to the cotton home furnishing industry of Panipat. Cotton prices have increased by an approximate of 60 per cent in the last three months.
The association members allege the increase in price of raw cotton has not only eaten up all the profits of the exporters but that the exporters have to sell at loss in view of commitments as buyers do not agree for increase in prices leading to closure of units.
Sharp increase in prices of cotton has led to closing of 30-35 looms of home furnishing industry at Panipat and unemployment to around two lakh workers, both direct and indirect. The exporters maintained they had requested the prime minister to ban the export of raw cotton, cotton waste and cotton yarn. However, till date no decision has been taken pertaining to the matter. In view of no response from the government of India and hardships caused by price rise of cotton yarn, exporters of Panipat have decided to go on a strike to shut their factories on Thursday.
The association has further maintained if no decision is taken by the government to ban export of cotton and its by-products, a rally of exporters and their workers would be organised in Delhi.
