The heavy rains in south Gujarat over the last few days has almost wiped out the deficit caused by delayed arrival of monsoon. However, inadequate rainfall in north India and prospects of deficient rainfall, has the textile industry of Surat worried.
“North Indian states such as UP, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Haryana and Punjab are some of the major markets for our textile industry. However, monsoon season is yet to set-in in most of these states, which could affect demand for textiles in these markets,”
Shrikishan Banka, president of Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association, said.
The textile manufacturers in Surat supply large quantities of sarees and dress materials to the northern states. The peak business period for Surat textile industry commences from mid-July, which marks beginning of festivals & marriage season, and lasts till Diwali.
Textile sales jump during this period, which coincides with a number of festivals like Raksha Bandhan, Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja, Diwali, among others.
Normally, orders from across the country start pouring in from July. But, there are fewer orders this time due to lack of rains in north India. Manufacturers said it is a big concern that buyers from major markets are yet to arrive in Surat.
“The demand for textiles from north Indian states will be hit, especially from rural markets, which are totally dependent on agriculture, if rain continues to stay away. This could badly hit our industry,” textile trader Anil Agarwal, said.
“The absence of buyers from other states right at the start of the peak business season is certainly a cause of concern. We are hoping monsoon commences sooner than later in these key markets for us,” Ashok Dhawan, a manufacturer said optimistically.
