Customs duty on cotton to hit Malegaon, Ichalkaranji stakeholders

The powerloom stakeholders in the textile towns of Malegaon and Ichalkaranji in Maharashtra said the imposition of 10 per cent customs duty on cotton would hit them.

Satish Koshti, President, Ichalkaranji Powerloom Weavers Association, said, due to increase in customs duty, there will be shortage of cotton in the market and we will have to procure it at higher costs. The finished cloth and garments imported will be much cheaper than their product.

Several stakeholders said the sector is reeling under severe crisis as the demand for grey cloth that they produce is not picking up. The textile manufacturers have been demanding a ban on cheaper garments imported from nearby countries such as Bangladesh.

The Centre announced seven textile parks but Malegaon and Ichalkarani did not feature in the list. Nitin Gawali, regional MIDC officer, said they are developing a textile park on their own on 113 hectares at Sayane in Malegaon taluka of Nashik district.

Some stakeholders were expecting funds for upgrading the machinery. Ex-minister for textiles Prakash Awade expected big amount to be set aside for upgradation. He expected the financial package to overcome demonetization and lockdown effects.