The second COVID-19 wave has led to loss of Rs 6,000 crore for the Gujarat Textile Industry, says Manoj Agarwal, President, Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association (FOSTTA). He estimates production has declined 40 per cent in the state. Lockdowns in various states have led to a 20 per cent decline in business, he adds. Ashok Jirawala, President, Federation of Gujarat Weavers’ Welfare Association (FOGWA) puts the daily loss in the textile industry at Rs 37.5 crore. He says, daily production in the state has dropped to 2 crore meter. At Rs 15 per metre, this works out to a daily loss of Rs 37.5 crore. He expects another 20 per cent workers to return to their native land in the next one month.

Sanjay Desai, President, Surat Autoloom Weavers Association (SAWA), informs, 750 waterjet autolooms in Surat are currently working at 50 per cent capacity due to loss of workers. Dipak Sheth, President, Yarn Broker Association (YBA), also informed that over 50 per cent workers employed in the yarn manufacturing sector have not returned. The overall situation in the state is dismal, notes Jirawala, He urged the government to release the yet unpaid Rs 600 crore input credit worth to the textile units.