Sops for farmers: State plans textile parks in cotton belt

The state government will come up with textile parks in the cotton belt under a comprehensive textile policy that is still in the making.

The state government will come up with textile parks in the cotton belt under a comprehensive textile policy that is still in the making.

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On Tuesday, Chief Minister Ashok Chavan held a meeting with Textile Minister Mohammad Arif Naseem Khan and senior officials to initiate framing of the policy.

A textile policy, when put in place, will be significant for the state, especially for cotton farmers, who have a significant presence. The agrarian crisis has forced more than 10,000 farmers to commit suicide in the past decade. The crisis is still alarming in central-western Vidarbha and parts of Marathwada.

Chavan insisted that the state must have cotton-processing units in the cotton growing regions.

“Though we produce big quantity, most of our cotton is sold in other states (for processing). But if we have textile zones units in the state, it will help us generate more jobs.”

Chavan said that the private sector will also be encouraged to take up textile business in the state. He assured more financial assistance for modernising power loom units and spinning mills. The state already had invested Rs 1,100 crore in the past few years in the textile sector.

Other than this, the Centre has allotted Rs 3,140 crore for the state. The state’s new policy will offer additional financial incentives for entrepreneurs of all sizes.

Khan told Hindustan Times that the new textile policy will be aimed at creating more jobs.

“Farmers too will get good price once the local markets open up,” Khan said.