Surat's textile units get into embroidery

The textile industry of Surat, which has traditionally been famous for its sarees and dress material, has started diversifying into the embroidery sector.

"Until six or seven months back there were only a handful of embroidery machines in Surat. But this number has increased to around 3,000-3,500, which produce roughly one lakh metre of embroidered cloth on a daily basis," said Devkishan Manghani, who deals in embroidered dress material.

The arrival of computerised or automatic machines have given a push to the embroidery sector, attracting many businessmen towards it.

"Earlier, the embroidery work was done manually on hand-operated machines. The computerised machines have resulted in faster, and thus higher production. The embroidery work done using these machines is far better in quality, as compared to that done manually, which is the primary reason many weavers are getting attracted to it," Manghani said.

Mahesh Jariwala, a Surat-based businessman, who deals in the computerised machines, said, "These machines are mostly imported from China, and cost anywhere between Rs 4 lakh to Rs 15 lakh, depending on the production capacity. There are also smaller machines, which are available in the range of Rs 1 lakh to 2 lakh."

"Embroidery was always a prominent part of Surat's textile industry, but it was probably not too well-known. The textile businessmen have now started realising the demand for embroidered cloth, and the large growth avenue it offers, which has prompted them to start acquiring the computerised machines," Jariwala said.

"According to our estimates, there are between 1,600 to 1,700 computerised embroidery machines installed in Surat. Considering the rush for these machines, we expect the figure to double in the next six months or so," he added. Manghani also said that there is huge scope for growth in the embroidered cloth sector.

"So far the use of embroidery in India has remained limited only to sarees and dress material. In view of this, the businessmen have been content with manufacturing embroidered cloth that caters to these segments. This is fine at present, but it could lead to a certain amount of saturation in the coming years," he said.

"To avoid such a situation, along with the sarees and dress material, the textile industry should also start concentrating on curtains, bedsheets, furnishings, night wear, and kids wear, which too have a huge demand for embroidered cloth," Manghani said.