India’s textiles sector aims to hit USD 100 billion exports in 5-6 years, which would take the industry’s combined domestic and international economic value to USD 250 billion, Union minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday.
Outbound shipments from the country’s textiles segment stood at around USD 42 billion in 2021-22.
Addressing members of Export Promotion Councils through video conference here, the Minister of Textiles, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Commerce & Industry said manufacturers should start securing cotton to meet their demands.
Besides, all those involved with cotton industry should meet to discuss the strategy to trace cotton and ensure value of the cotton products. The minister said that last year, textile export was approximately USD 42 billion, while the target is to achieve USD 100 billion by next 5-6 years.
He said that if achieved, the economic value of the sector will be worth USD 250 billion collectively, including its domestic as well as international markets.
Production of cotton is estimated at 34.19 million bales (of 170 kg each) in the 2022-23 crop year (July-June) as against 31.20 million bales in the previous year, as per agriculture ministry’s latest data.
Cotton is one of the major Kharif (summer-sown) crops. The harvesting of cotton crops has begun from
October.
Goyal said that funds are available under the Textile Mission and should be utilised in new projects.