Labor shortage looms over Tamil Nadu's textile industry

Tamil Nadu's textile industry, a major contributor to the state's economy, is facing a significant challenge due to a labor shortage. Textile clusters across the state are struggling to find skilled workers, threatening to disrupt workflow and potentially impacting production. The reasons behind the labor shortage are complex.  Some experts point to a shift towards higher-paying jobs in other sectors, while others cite harsh working conditions within the textile industry itself. Additionally, the migration of workers out of rural areas for better opportunities has also played a role.

As K Selvaraju, Secretary General, Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA) points out, workers’ wages in Rajasthan have increased by 20 per cent while those in Odisha have increased by 28 per cent. Similar increases have been reported in

Maharashtra, leading to many resident workers from these states opting to stay closer to home than work in Tamil Nadu’s textile and garment factories.

The shortage of labor is causing concern among industry leaders.  They warn that it could lead to delays in production, missed deadlines, and ultimately, a decline in profits.  There is also a worry that the industry's competitiveness could be hampered if it is unable to attract and retain a skilled workforce.

Possible solutions to the labor shortage are being explored.  Some textile mill owners are considering offering higher wages and benefits to attract workers.  Others are looking to automate certain tasks in order to reduce their reliance on manual labor.  There are also calls for government intervention, such as skills development programs to create a more qualified pool of potential textile workers. J Thulasidharan, President, Indian Cotton Federation, suggests, textile mills should focus on automation. Mills should also consider investing in spinning machinery available with extensive automated processes, he feels.

The textile industry is a vital part of Tamil Nadu's economy, and the labor shortage poses a serious threat to its continued success.  It remains to be seen how the industry will address this challenge and ensure its long-term viability.