Garment Manufacturing in India - Draping the World for Ages

When did garment manufacturing start in India?

Archaeological surveys indicate that the weaving and spinning of cotton date back to the Harappan Civilization. Historical evidence suggests that India traded cotton with the ancient Egyptian civilization and exported cotton to the western countries through the Chinese silk route.

The Indian textile industry thrived through the Mughal period and accounted for almost 25% of East India Company’s imports. Post-independence and following liberalisation in 1990, the industry has witnessed some vital changes that translated into further expansion.?

Which factors are driving the growth of the Indian garment industry?

Garment manufacturing companies?in India are riding on the following factors to cash in on this evergreen sector:

• An abundance of raw material: India is the largest producer of cotton and jute and the fourth largest manufacturer of polyester.?
• Availability of skilled labour.
• A robust ecosystem comprising sufficient water and electricity,?
• A pre-existing infrastructure.
• Massive domestic market.
• Strong export relations with special privileges in certain countries.
• Favourable government policies, including developing Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
• A perfect blend of traditional manufacturing skills and the latest technological know-how.?

What is the industry scenario at present?

The?Indian garment manufacturing?sector is well diversified in technologies, manufacturing capacities and products, with the traditional handloom industry on one side of the coin?and modernized, capital-intensive skills on the other side. However, this broad spectrum of manufacturing capacity and products enables India to cater to a diversified domestic and international market.?

With around 4.5cr employees engaged in the sector, textile export from India stood at approximately $29.8 billion between Apr-Dec 2021. The garment industry is expected to cross $200 billion by 2029.?

Despite the pandemic, the Indian domestic textile sector witnessed a growth of around 9% in 2020-21.?

India attracted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of nearly $4 billion between Apr 2000- Dec 2021.?

What are the different government initiatives taken to boost this sector??

• $1.44 billion PLI scheme is a major incentive for the Indian textile industry.?
• Under the union budget 2022-23,?1.62 billion USD was allocated to the textile sector.
• Handloom Export Promotion Council is actively participating in international trade fairs to propel the growth of the handloom industry.
• Under the comprehensive handicrafts cluster development scheme, the Ministry of Textiles has approved an investment of21.31 million USD

Who can guide us in selecting the best garment manufactures?

Industry Experts?are well-equipped to hand hold you on this journey.