MP Rabindra Jena demanded for establishment of a textile cluster in Baleswar district while participating in a debate in the Parliament.
He welcomed the additional budgetary provision of Rs 425 crore in the current fiscal year for the textile sector.
Cotton is produced in about 1.3lakh thousand hectares of land in 24 districts of Odisha and the local artisans produce handloom clothes and linens. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi appreciating the handloom of Odisha used to wear sarees manufactured by the State artisans. Present Prime Minister Narendra Modi also is all praises for the handloom products of Odisha and the expertise of the artisans, said Jena.
He said that the export market of the sector would be worth Rs 300 billion by 2024-25. The experts in the sector have made a road map, which included a 10-point charter of programmes to boost the sector. Around three crore people would find job opportunity through the ambitious plan, said Jena.
He sought synergy of actions by the Centre and the State for growth of the sector. In the last Budget, there was a proposal for establishment of six textile clusters in the country. Therefore, Baleswar is the most appropriate venue for this, he said.