(GIST OF YOJANA) Growth and Development: Woven in Threads of Northeast [APRIL-2019]

(GIST OF YOJANA) Growth and Development: Woven in Threads of Northeast

[APRIL-2019]

Growth and Development: Woven in Threads of Northeast

Introduction

The textile industry is one of the oldest in India and is intrinsically linked to a range of traditions and cultures that is a reflection of the diversity that prevails in our country.
The industry has a range of segments under its umbrella - hand-woven, an unorganized segment on one end, to capital-intensive on the other.
One of India’s biggest strengths lies in it being the largest producer of jute and cotton and the second largest producer of silk globally.
By value, the textile industry accounts for 7 per cent of India's industrial, 2 per cent of GDP and 15 per cent of the country's export earnings. India exported $ 39.2 billion worth of textiles in the 2017-18 fiscal year.

Some of the important pointers of Indian textile industry are as follows:

India covers 61 percent of the international textile market.
India is the largest producer of jute in the world India is known to be the third largest manufacturer of cotton across the globe.
India holds around 25 percent share in the cotton yam industry across the globe.
India contributes to around 12 percent of the world’s production of cotton yam and textiles.
India is the second largest producer of silk in the world, producing around 18 per cent of the world’s total silk.

UPSC Pre General Studies Study Material

A common factor that binds all the stales:

Weaving - It is practiced alike by all tribal groups in Arunachal Pradesh. Nagaland. Manipur and in the valley of Assam. There are only a few exceptions, such as the Nokteys of Tirap in Arunachal Pradesh and the Khasis of Meghalaya who do not weave.
Silk - Northeast India has the potential to produce the country’s finest silk products, the same of which can be exported outside the country, elevating the economic standard and status of the Northeastern states besides putting Northeast onto the cultural map of the world. Assam is the 3rd largest producer of silk in the country and leading among the north-east states.
On the other hand, Manipur produces almost 100 per cent of the country’s Oak tussar silk and is the highest producer of Mulberry silk among the North cast states. Whereas, Tripura focuses on production of only Mulberry silk with end to end solutions.
Carpets - You can find the most ancient form of carpet weaving in Sikkim. The traditional pattern of weaving is done by the ‘Bhutia community which requires a frame and an exclusive manner of weaving. You can see the hard work put in by the locals in the intricate designs of the carpet. Arunachal too is w ell known for carpets. Arunachal Pradesh is divided into 3 major groups depending on their culture and handicrafts; the Buddhist tribes consist of the Sherdukpens and Monpas and also to some extent the Khowa. The Aka and Mijis comprise another group, while the Membas. Khambas, Khamtis and Singphos comprise the last group.
Wooden and Metal Products - Known as a symbol of true art of India, Sikkim excels in wood carving. Sikkim brims with beautiful monasteries, heritage buildings and temples, the architecture of which is adorned with symbols and icons carved in wood.
Not only that, you can see the special wood carsing with papier-mache in the mask dances of Sikkim. Pemayangtse Monastery is a fine illustration of carved wooden sculptures and wood carvings.

Conclusion

The north-east region, by way of its location, enjoys key advantages as much as it throws up challenges for businesses.
The situation, however, has improved significantly in the last few years. There is increase in the share of industrial activity in all eight states in the region, with Meghalaya, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh recording the highest growth.
Most development indices also show a positive performance in the region when compared to other states in India. This is just the beginning of the growth story and one can see that the textile industry will be acting as a pivot of this growth.