SGCCI Seminar Highlights Need for Modern Looms in Surat's Textile Industry

Surat - The South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) organized a seminar titled "Recent Developments in Weaving Technology" on Friday. Held at Seminar Hall-A, SIECC, Sarsana, Surat, the event commenced at 6:00 pm and was organized by the Gujarat Federation of Regional Textile Associations (GFRRC).

SGCCI President Vijay Mevawala addressed the industrialists, highlighting a stark contrast between China and India in the adoption of modern looms. "China has 8 lakh modern looms, while India has only 1.5 lakh, with Surat housing half of these looms," he stated. Mevawala emphasized that modern looms are crucial for better production quality and increased productivity, urging industrialists to adopt these technologies to remain competitive globally.

Ashok Jirawala, President of FOGWA, pointed out the need for textile manufacturers to shift focus from the domestic to the global market. "Research and innovation are essential for this transition," Jirawala said. He encouraged industrialists to participate in national and international exhibitions to boost exports.

Nikhil Madrasi, vice-president of SGCCI, presented on global advancements in the textile industry. He noted that Surat hosts the entire value chain of man-made fabrics, with readily available raw materials and a conducive environment for textile machinery and skilled labor. Madrasi highlighted opportunities in technical textiles, including sectors like agritech, meditech, mobitech, and sporttech, among others.

Paresh Gondalia, director of Pickwell Textile Machinery, discussed the advent of high-speed machines such as rapier, waterjet, and airjet machinery in the weaving industry. He mentioned that waterjet machines have been in use in Surat since 2010 and are versatile in handling various fabric types. Gondalia forecasted an increase in fabric demand over the next year as weavers turn to airjet machines. He also noted that solar energy could address power shortages, ensuring seamless weaving operations. With textile manufacturing in Europe on the decline, Gondalia stressed the importance of modernization for the Indian textile industry to enhance its global export capabilities.

The seminar, organized by GFRRC Chairman Girdhargopal Mundara and conducted by Amrish Bhatt, concluded with calls for weavers to adopt the latest technologies and actively participate in textile machinery exhibitions domestically and internationally.