Maharashtra to set up 9 textile parks

The Maharashtra Government is planning to set up nine textile parks in the northern cotton-growing regions of the State with an aim to supplement farmers’ income through value-added products.

“There is ample cotton growing in northern Maharashtra and there is no value addition. We are planning to set up nine textile parks there,” said Subhash Desai, Industries Minister of Maharashtra. He was speaking at the Progressive Maharashtra Summit organised by industry body FICCI.

Citing the example of the textile park at Amravati, which has over 30 units operational, he added “this is helping many small and medium industries to flourish. In a similar way we can support farming and industry.”

He explained that value addition — from produce to fibre to fabric to fashion — will help farmers get a good price for cotton. Referring to the Rs 34,000-crore loan waiver for farmers announced by the BJP-led government in Maharashtra, he said while the move is one way to support debt-ridden cultivators, it is not the only solution.