Two decades ago, the number of small and micro enterprises in the state was 2.74 lakh, which has increased to 8.66 lakh today- Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel

In ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, Surat has set an example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by producing 7.50 crore flags out of 20 crore flags across the country: Union Minister of State for Textiles Smt. Darshanaben Jardosh

Gandhinagar, Friday:  Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel while inaugurating the three-day ‘Vibrant Weavers Expo’ organized by ‘Federation of Gujarat Weavers Welfare Association’ (FOGWA) from 26 to 28 in Surat said that, my team is constantly working to accelerate the pace of development in Gujarat, which is the growth engine of the country, under the guidance of the Prime Minister. We are committed for the all-round development focusing on fundamentals like education, health and security.

The Chief Minister encouraged the exhibitors by visiting the various stalls of the Weavers Expo and got details of various weaving products.

Referring to the contribution of Gujarat in the garment industry the CM said that Gujarat’s share in the country’s total garment exports is 12 percent and manmade fiber production is 38 percent. Surat is contributing 50 percent in the production of art silk fabric in the country. The number of small and micro industries in the state last two decades was 2.74 lakh, it has increased to 8.66 lakh today.

The industrial output in Gujarat two decades ago was 2.27 lakh crore, which has increased to 16.19 lakh crore today. Stating that, with the help of new technology, new patterns and skill upgradation, the textile industry of the state is gaining momentum, in which Surat’s contribution is special, added CM.

Expressing the feeling that Gujarat has continued its development journey even in the difficult period of Covid-19 pandemic under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, CM said that with the ‘Vibrant Gujarat’ initiative launched by the Prime Minister, the industries of Gujarat have introduced their unique potential in the field of development to the world, giving a new direction to business and trade.

While Gujarat is leading the country in organic farming, the state government provides financial assistance for gas, liquid (slurry) production from cow dung. The government is constantly striving to ensure that farmers adopt value addition so that agricultural products get more affordable prices.

In the exhibition, the buyers can interact directly with the textile manufacturers and simultaneously see different varieties of fabrics of different weavers being produced all over Gujarat at one place. Chief Minister congratulated the organizers such event.

Union Minister of State for Railways and Textiles Smt. Darshanaben Jardosh said that in ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, Surat has set an example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by producing 7.50 crore flags out of 20 crore flags across the country.

The central government has implemented incentive schemes to boost manmade fiber, technical textiles. Gujarat has been a leader in connectivity like road, train and port under Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM-Mitra) Park in the country. 13 states have also agreed for PM Mitra Park among which Gujarat has been at the first rank in its implementation by making special provision in the budget.

Gujarat State BJP President Shri C.R. Patil said that the textile industry of Surat has been boosted by weaving units equipped with modern technology and new varieties of cloth. If the textile industry continues to enjoy a peaceful industrial environment and warmth, its originality will blossom in abundance. Simple industrial policies and administrative cooperation have breathed new life into not only the textile industry but all industries.

Chairman of Federation of Gujarat Weavers Association (FOGWA) Shri Ashokbhai Jirawala in his welcome address said that the textile industry is the leader in providing the most employment after agriculture. The textile sector is providing employment to 20 lakh people in Surat, while women of two lakh households are earning 10 to 20 thousand per month through home-based textile jobs. The aim of organizing this Buyer Sellers Exhibition is to give the small weavers of the weaving sector an opportunity to showcase their weaving skills and expertise to millions of buyers. With a total of 128 stalls, the exhibition will prove to be beneficial for both textile manufacturers and buyers.

Leader Shri Haribhai Kathiria delivered the thanking note.

Minister of State for Home Department Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Mayor Smt. Hemali Boghawala, MLA’s, Industry Leaders, Textile Industrialists, Weavers, Weaving Unit administrators were present on the occasion.