Mr. J. B. Soma, Hon. Ass. Editor & Publisher of JTA, took the opportunity to have the deliberate with Mr. Gharat on the current issue of sustainable in Textile Value Chain.
Q.: Can you highlight on Sustainability in Textiles and Opportunities?
The Sustainability in any business is continuity in getting advance orders with better profitability. The Textile Industry is having many products hence there is excellent opportunities provided we continuously carry out product innovation & developments as per market trends and demand.
Q.: How to achieve sustainability across textile value chain, using 3R (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle)?
The present pattern of value chain in Textile Industry is segmented & hence it is not cost or quality effective. The Spinner does not know what type of fabric will be woven & what raw material specifications are required. Same are with further chain hence it very important to set product wise value chain.
The highest cost of final product is Raw Material & hence all 3 R (Reduce -Reuse & Recycle) are to be managed skillfully. The waste generated at every processed should be properly segregated to evaluate all R. It is very wide subject & can be discussed in details in any other forum.
Q.; Which are the priorities for the business, who are looking to enhance the sustainability of their products?
The priorities of any business are 1) Market 2) Affordable Price. 3) Customer’s Satisfaction. 4) Quality 5) Profitability. 6) Product Development as per changing market requirements.
Q.: How to achieve sustainable innovation across the brands?
The Brands are having their USP & hence continuous product development according to market intelligence is very essential for sustainability.
The present marketing systems are with return policy without any valid reason & hence all brands have to follow after sales service. They should get feedback system in place to retain sustainability.
Q.: How you utilize of Natural Fibres in Technical Textiles and what will be the future of Technical Textiles?
There are many products in Technical Textile made from natural fibers. Especially Medical Textile Products are made from natural fibers. Such as Surgical cotton, Bandages etc. It can be evaluated separately.
Q.: What will be the Export opportunities for MSMEs Textile & Apparel sector?
There is great scope for MSMEs to export provided routed through proper channels & maintaining quality standards. We can learn from Bangladesh & Shree Lanka who are major exporter of Garments.
Q.: What is your view on increase in GST on Textiles and Apparel products?
The industry cannot survive unless increase of GST is passed to customers. According to me it should be reverted to 5% or even less. We cannot survive with present rising cost of Raw Materials & Power.
Q.: How the industry will react on PLI Scheme announced by GoI. and How the PLI scheme is playing out on the ground and helping the industry?
PLI scheme is very good & it is for larger units with technical textiles -manmade fibers. According to me we should also link SMMEs & Natural fibers also.
The scheme is for Production Incentive but what about market for extra production. Hence it should also be linked with market also. There is provision for Large Textile Parks but success rate of Textile Parks is very poor. It should be managed by professionals instead of politicians.
Q.: How the increased prices on Cotton and Yarn will be affected on the Textile Value chain?
It has been affecting value chain for many years. No further comments because it is politically managed.
Q.: What will be the new investment opportunities in Textiles and more for Technical Textiles?
There is vast scope provided we produce value added products which we have been importing since long. Proper market research with support of product developments is the key for investment opportunities.
Q.: What is your opinion on adaptation of digitization to channelize its potential?
Digitalization is present as well as future for any business & hence it should be properly used. We need to have proper expertise in place.
Q.: What is your view on technology gaps and how to attract foreign technology into India through R&D & other activities?
We Indians are capable of adopting modern technology provided it is affordable. It is my firm opinion that Indian Textile Machinery Manufacturers should try to have collaboration to make it in India without any quality compromise. It should be cost effective & affordable to Indian Industry.
Q.: What is your message to the young Textile Business Entrepreneurs?
As long as humans are wearing clothes textile industry will flourish provided, we take following precautions.
- Continues product developments as per changing market demand.
- As fashion is changing very frequently avoid over engineering of product because no one expects very long life. It will keep the cost also in affordable range.
- Customer’s satisfaction & service is the key for growth of business. Hence be in touch with your customers.
- Have creative designers with require infrastructure for product development.
- Avoid Pyramid Management structure which is confusing & costly also. Linear structure is very effective for better communication with shop floor staff & workers.
- Have proper MIS reports & unbiased review through proper expert.
- Most important to have daily P/L review system to maintain strong financial health of company. We have been supporting units to do it.