(a) The Textile Industry occupies unique position in the Indian economy, because it contributes significantly to industrial production (14 per cent), employment generation (35 million persons directly – the second largest after agriculture) and foreign exchange earnings (about 24.6 per cent).
(b) It contributes 4 per cent towards GDP. It is the only industry in the country, which is selfreliant and complete in the value chain i.e., from raw material to the highest value added products.
(c) In the early years, the Cotton Textile Industry was concentrated in the cotton growing belt of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Availability of raw cotton, market, transport including accessible port facilities, labour, moist climate, etc. contributed towards its localisation.
(d) This industry has close links with agriculture and provides a living to farmers,cotton boll pluckers and workers engaged in ginning, spinning, weaving, dyeing, designing, packaging, tailoring and sewing.
(e) The industry by creating demands supports many other industries, such as, chemicals and dyes, mill stores, packaging materials and engineering works.
