Question

What is the importance of the ready-made garment segment of the textile industry of India?

Answer 1

The ready-made garment segment is an important part of the textile industry in India for several reasons:

1. Employment Generation: It is a labor-intensive industry that generates a large amount of employment, relying heavily on skilled labor.
2. Location Flexibility: The industry is not tied to any special location and is a “foot-loose” industry, meaning it can be established in almost all parts of the country.
3. Popularity and Export Demand: Indian ready-made garments are very popular globally owing to their designs, patterns, color combinations, and aesthetic appeal. They have a strong demand in foreign markets, including advanced economies such as the USA, Canada, Japan, and many European countries.
4. Contribution to Export Trade: Ready-made garments significantly contribute to India’s export earnings. For instance, exports soared from a negligible ₹ 1 crore in 1960-61 to ₹ 1,12,700 crore in 2018-19, showing phenomenal growth over the decades.
5. Support from Fashion Industry: Institutions like the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) help by providing new fashion designs, aiding the ready-made garments sector in capturing wider international markets.