Global textile fabric industry isworth more than $400 billion, and is still in an ever increasing pace. There isalways a high demand for fabrics and textile products, and evolvingrequirements in the fabric market. Globalization has opened windows for outsourcingin textile, increasing the share of developing countries in fabric and apparelexports. Role of multifunctional, e-textile, customized, and eco-textiles willhave a bright future. Recent market study reports state that, India has the potential to acquire a significant share in the global fabric and textile market,particularly in the US and European countries.
Indian Fabrics - Industry Concept:
India has a rich and diversetextile tradition. Fabric making has been a well developed craft in India since the era of the Indus Valley civilization. The country has a strong hold in fabricmaking, dyeing, printing, and embroidering. The exquisite range of Indianfabrics reflecting the cultural traditions and richness of the country hascharmed the eyes of the people; all across the globe. Indias share in the global fabric export market has increased from 1.8% to 3% during thepast decade. Fabric industry in India contributes to 18% of the industrialemployment, 20% of the countrys export revenue and 4% of the GDP. This sectoremploys more than 35 million people, making the second highest employer in India. On an average, one out of every six households in the country is employed in thetextile industry either directly or indirectly. This sector covers a wide gamutof activities starting from the production of raw materials, to processing it intofibres, making fabrics, and tailoring of readymade apparels.
India is a leading producer ofcotton, goatskin and cashmere wool. It ranks first in goatskin processing andthird in cotton manufacturing after China and United States. 20% of the totalexports of the country are from the fabric industry, providing the highestamount of foreign exchange earnings. Various natural raw materials like cotton,jute, silk and wool, along with synthetic man made fibres like polyester,acrylic, and viscose are effectively used in manufacturing the finest qualityof fabrics. It is further supplemented by adequate production systems that aredynamic, and flexible.
Fabrics As an Expression ofCultural Heritage:
Fabrics from cotton, wool, andsilk have a high demand both in the domestic and in the international markets. Silkand cotton fabrics dominates the fabric weaving segment of India. Fabrics are made by twisting the fibres into yarns and knitting or weaving them. Theland is enriched with skilled craftsman, who does most of the work by hand.Currently, with the technological advancements, and modern machinery, theprocess has become simpler, quicker and refined than before.
Every state in India has a particular textile fabric of its own, exhibiting their heritage, culture, andlifestyle of that place. The 'Jamdani' fabric consisting of fine cotton muslin,'Tangali' cottons and 'Daccai' is famous in West Bengal. Jamdani is alsopopular in Tanda in Uttar Pradesh. This technique of patterning is used in thecotton producing centres of Venkatagiri in Andhra Pradesh, Morangfi in Manipur,and Kodialkaruppar in TamilNadu. Vengadagiri fabrics from Andhra Pradesh arerenowned for its gold designs in off-white background. 'Ponduru Khadi' fabricis famous in Andhra. Madhya Pradesh is known for its Chanderi and Maheswaricotton fabrics. Kerala has a tradition of using unbleached cotton enriched withgold borders. Pashmina woolen fabrics from Kashmir have a high reputation;worldwide.
Cotton Pearl of Indian Textiles:
Cotton is rightly being adored as the 'pearl of Indian textiles' due to its elegant appearance, non-allergic nature, comfort, and soft feel. Fabric making from cotton fibres is in vogue in India, for more than 5,000 years. 23 different varieties of cotton, as a raw material are found in India. Cotton is being used in making a wide range of textile products like saris, bed sheets, napkins, upholsteries, shirts and many more. Ancient practice of cotton weaving is involved in the making of 'khadi' cloth. This cloth is woven by hand using a handspun yarn. Other cotton fabrics like Muslin and Mulmul khas are the most famous cotton fabrics. The exquisite nature of cotton is seen in a variety of weaves.
Silk Fabrics:
Indians dress themselves in vibrant hues of silk clothes during occasions. The light weight, excellent drape, and shades have made silk fabrics irresistible, not only in India, but also in the international markets as well. Five main varieties of silk fabrics are made in India. Banaras is famous for its silk fabrics. In West Bengal, untwisted silk threads are used for making brocades. Tanjore, Kumbakonam, and Kancheevarm cities from TamilNadu have gained limelight in the global market due to its exclusive silk fabrics.
International Market:
Due to the shrinking base of the European fabric manufacturers, Indian made fabrics have a good demand in the European markets. A considerable part of the fabric import orders of the European countries will be met by India, China, and Pakistan. The changing value of the Chinese currency also favors Indian marketers as foreign customers of China will look at India as a substitute of China. Export of home fabrics to US has also shown a considerable increase of 29.5% during the recent past. India is able to perform well on its fabric exports due to the extensive use of wide-width looms. With the use of shuttle looms, and a new impetus in the processing of fabrics, India is able to meet the demands of both the domestic and foreign markets. Indian fabrics are being admired for their uniqueness, vibrant colors, durability, excellent craftsmanship, and traditional designs; worldwide.
Constraints of the Industry:
- Lack of adequate design and engineering capabilities.
- Cost of raw materials and components.
- Induced competition due to reduction in the cost of import duties.
- High cost of financing.
Estimates state that, Indian industry requires $15 billion for the next five years to reach an export target of $50 billion by 2010. Since majority of the foreign customers look for big exporters, more focus should be made in vertical integration and technological upgradation so as to enhance its export potential. This would simultaneously decrease the turnaround time. Industry leaders predict a growth rate of 25% in the global textile market by 2010, and much of the contribution is expected from the Asian countries. Countries that are more competitive will be able to manipulate the market and acquire more opportunities. The in-house productivity of the industry needs to be improved and more focus should be given in sustaining and improving the quality of the fabric and time taken to meet the delivery requirements.
References:
2) http://www.economywatch.com/
3) http://www.equitymaster.com
4) http://www.fabrics-manufacturers.com
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