The garment industry occupies a unique place in our country. It accounts for 14% of the total industrial production and contributes nearly 20% of the total exports and is the second largest employment generator after agriculture.
Garment industry is providing one of the basic needs of people and maintained sustained growth for improving quality of life. Its vast potential for creation of employment opportunities on the agricultural, industrial organized and rural and urban areas, particularly for women.
Although the development of garment sector was earlier taking place in terms of general policies. In recognition of its importance of this sector for the first time, a separate policy statement was made in 1985 in regard to development of garment sector. The textile policy of 2000 aims at achieving the target of garment and apparel exports of US $ 50 billion by 2010 of which the share of garment will be US $ 25 billion. The main markets for Indian garments are USA, UAE, UK, GERMANY, FRANCE, ITALY, RUSSIA, CANADA, BANGLADESH and JAPAN.
The main objective of the textile policy 2000 is to provide cloth of acceptable quality at reasonable prices for the vast majority of population of the country and to compete with confidence for an increasing share of the global market.
From the above it is clear that garment occupies a unique position in our economy contributing to nearly a one third of the country’s earnings. The industry includes manufacturers, suppliers, whole sellers and exporters of cotton textiles etc. Today handloom and cotton textile exports in India are counted among the most important sector.
The garment industry in India is widely named for its superb quality garments. Total textile exports during April-march 1998-99 were Rs 52720.78 crores. A readymade garment export comprises nearly 40% of the total exports.
CURRENT SCENERIO:
Developing countries with both textile and clothing capacity may be able to