The state government has decided to frame a new textile policy, putting emphasis on setting up textile parks in Vidarbha and Marathwada. It's not only expected to reduce farmer suicides but also generate employment.
The state government has decided to frame a new textile policy, putting emphasis on setting up textile parks in Vidarbha and Marathwada. It's not only expected to reduce farmer suicides but also generate employment.
Cooperative minister Chandrakant Patil said as part of the new policy, they have demarcated 250 acres of land in Amrawati for the textile park, for which a firm from Tamil Nadu has shown interest. "Our policy is cotton-to-garment in one place. By doing this, we will save transport cost and generate jobs. It will increase the rate of cotton and generate jobs for children of farmers, they won't need to go elsewhere looking for employment," Patil said.
Presently, 80% of cotton from Vidarbha, Marathwada and Khandesh goes to Tamil Nadu for processing via Gujarat's ports. "It is sad that these regions are number one in producing cotton but don't have a good market to sell the crop. If the government execute its plan well, then the new policy will reduce farmer suicides," said farmer leader Nanasaheb Patil.
"Earlier, there were several textiles mills in the region, during the British period. After Independence, most shut down due to bad management and lack of modernisation. This is the right time to set up textile mills."
He added that farmer suicides had risen due to lack of an effective textile policy. "The previous government too had framed such a policy and decided to set up a textile park, but nothing was executed. Most of the good ideas remained on paper. I hope that this time around it will be different," Patil said.
A farmer from Jalgaon, Ishawar Patil, said Khandesh too is one of the major cotton producers but the state government has not yet announced any textile park there.
A senior BJP minister assured that prime minister Narendra Modi is batting for 'Make in India' and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis for 'Make in Maharashtra'. "As part of this long-term strategy, we want Maharashtra and India number one in export. It will generate huge revenue for the state and Centre and farmers will benefit by getting good rates for their crops. We want to be self-sufficient, not depend on government for packages and compensations every time," the minister added.
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