Surat's Fabric Industry Faces Labor Crisis Amid Rising Raw Material Costs
In Surat fabric hub, labour exit adds to raw material crisis, production half
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
Surat, India, a major hub for man-made fiber production, is grappling with a labor shortage and rising raw material prices due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Approximately 40% of the migrant workforce has returned home, causing production to drop to half, while prices for yarn and fabric have surged significantly.
- 0140% of Surat's migrant workforce has returned home due to the LPG crisis and rising costs.
- 02Production in textile factories has halved, impacting the local economy.
- 03Yarn prices have increased from ₹100 to ₹135-140 per kg due to raw material shortages.
- 04The industry employs around 22 lakh people, with significant layoffs affecting operations.
- 05Community kitchens and incentives are being implemented to retain remaining workers.
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Surat, located in Gujarat, India, is facing a significant crisis in its man-made fiber industry due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has led to rising crude oil prices and a shortage of essential raw materials. Approximately 40% of the migrant workforce, primarily from states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Odisha, has returned home, resulting in a labor shortage that has halved production in textile factories. The price of yarn has surged from ₹100 to ₹135-140 per kg, while fabric prices have also increased, causing a decline in demand. Factory owners are struggling to maintain operations, with many reducing shifts and implementing community kitchens to retain workers. The South Gujarat Textile Processing Association reports that the industry employs around 22 lakh people, but with the current labor crisis, the future remains uncertain. As migrant workers flock to Udhna railway station to return home, the situation highlights the broader implications of the conflict on local economies and communities.
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The labor shortage and rising material costs are severely affecting the textile production capacity in Surat, which may lead to job losses and economic instability in the region.
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