Surat increasing its presence in India’s textile sector with product diversification

Surat, the industrial hub in Gujarat, is celebrated as the Silk City for its renowned textile industry, which plays a vital role in India's economy. With a rich history, Surat's textile industry has modernized to produce world-class textiles. Surat saris are particularly famous for their intricate designs, featuring techniques like embroidery, zari work, and printing.

The industry is predominantly driven by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with thousands of factories producing various textiles. The city’s large textile markets are crucial hubs for traders and buyers. Surat contributes around 40 per cent to India’s total man-made textile production.

As Sanjay Sarawagi, Managing Director, Laxmipati Group says, the city initially focused on the domestic market with large-scale sari production. Over time, it expanded to producing dress materials and fabrics for tents, transitioning from cotton to polyester and nylon. Subsequently, Surat advanced to manufacturing furnishings, showcasing its ability to diversify textile products.

Sarawagi highlighted the emergence of 'technical textiles' as a new phase, explaining the hub is diversifying its products. Fabrics that were previously imported from China are now being produced. With advanced technology and innovations, the local textile industry has increased production capacity and quality, making a significant impact both domestically and internationally.