Powerloom sector urged to embrace modernisation

: The powerloom sector can double the earnings over the next five years, if it focuses on value addition and modernisation, president of Tamil Nadu Powerloom Federation SSM Mathivanan said Thursday.

Delivering his address at a session on 'Challenges and Opportunities' during the textile fair WEAVES organised here by the Confederation of Indian Industry, Mathivanan said the country ships only 'grey fabrics' to China and Bangladesh which add more value to the grey fabrics and gain higher realisation in the international markets.

China was ranked first in terms of producing fabrics though it had lesser number of powerlooms than India which was ranked sixth, he said.

India has 50 lakh handlooms, over 25 lakh powerlooms, two lakh automatic looms. But, productivity is low, he said.

"One powerloom can produce 50 metres of fabrics a day but we (India) hardly produce 25 metres a day", he said.

If the industry takes measure to improve productivity and venture into value addition and modernisation, it does not have to turn back as the demand for fabrics is set to grow, he said.