Tiruppur, June 29 (KNN) To make the Indian textile industry truly Atmanirbhar the government needs to set up Product Boards in the specific areas such as knitwear board in Tiruppur, home textiles board in Karur with industry representatives, said Raja M. Shanmugham, President, Tiruppur Exporters’ Association (TEA).

He told KNN that India has everything which is required to become the world’s leading sourcing destination for textiles and apparel, however the industry is largely represented by the MSMEs and such support is much needed.

“According to me, it is the lack of connection between industry and decision makers that has been holding us back, which has hampered quick and effective action,” said Shanmugham.

The TEA chief suggested that the existing structure of the export promotion councils should to disband as it has proved ineffective.

“It is nothing more than a lobbying platform, where just a few have a voice, instead of the entire industry,” he said.

As a replacement of it the government must set up product boards in the happening areas, said Shanmugham.

Such boards will work towards boosting the sectors and allow true representation of the industry for quick policy and various other interventions when needed.

In view of the incessant rise in cotton this year, he said the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) should start to build cotton stocks.

“At any given time, the agency should have sizeable cotton stocks to create that much needed buffer from price fluctuations. Mills will have access to a ready stock of cotton when they want it,” he added.

Shanmugham explained that this solution will be more beneficial for the smaller units, who are not always able to hedge their cotton positions.  (KNN Bureau)