Mini textile park fails to meet needs, says Puthiyamputhur manufacturers

Tailors stitching garments at ready made cloth manufacturing unit in Puthiyamputhur in Thoothukudi District.
| Photo Credit:
N. RAJESH

Puthiyamputhur, a village in Ottapidaram taluk renowned for readymade garment production has around 250 small scale manufacturers, with each employing at least two to 30 tailors and other artisans from Puthiyamputhur and neighbouring villages.

The village buzzling with sewing machine sounds and frequented by traders from various parts of the state to purchase goods, is still waiting for an exclusive textile market in the village. With Kolkata based traders occupying a significant share of textile market space across Tamil Nadu, local manufacturers feel deprived of opportunities. They believe that proper marketing training and a dedicated space to sell their goods would help protect and promote their livelihood.

Recently, Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi had laid foundation stone for the construction of a mini textile park in Muppulivetti village near Ottapidaram, at an outlay of ₹75 lakh. The project is being developed through Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department.

However, manufacturers from Puthiyamputhur expressed concern that the location is not ideal for selling their goods, with only 24 shops planned for the project currently.

T. Manohar, a manufacturer from Puthiyamputhur said that the manufacturers from the village have been struggling for a textile market for the past 20 years, and however the project is now being implemented as a textile park.

He added, “With only 72 sq feet allocated for each shop, it is not feasible for everyone to set up their shops in a small space.”

Mr. Manohar further noted that the government is developing a textile park to create more employment, which the manufacturers are providing already.

“The creation of a textile market, a dedicated space to sell their goods with around 200 shops, would be easier for both manufacturers and traders from various parts of the state, by providing wider choice. This will empower producers ranging from small scale to large scale units in the village,” he noted.

Most of the manufacturers from the village procure their materials from Surat, with some procuring cotton materials from Ahmedabad. A large number of women from in and around the village have been employed in this sector, earning between Rs 60 and ₹150 per piece depending on the stitching complexity.

S.S.D. Jegadheesan, president, Puthiyamputhur Readymade Manufacturers and Traders Association, highlighted that the manufacturers have even identified a two acre land parcel in the village for the construction of a textile park, with more shops, which would be beneficial for the garment producers in the region.

He added, “The selection location is not viable and most traders from Tamil Nadu know only Puthiyamputhur as the readymade hub, and shifting the selling units would require heavy promotion. Because of this, many manufacturers could even lose their regular customers.”

Mr. Jegadheesan also pointed out lack of marketing training, which held back growth potential in exports.

“With proper training for manufacturers in the region, most of us will be able to enter export markets, which would in turn increase the production and employment opportunity in the region,” he said.

Speaking on this, an official from District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) said that although the project has been initially planned for 24 shops, it will be further developed with additional shops in future, after assessing its operation and demand. The official added that the project has been designed with essential facilities, including an access road to the site.

The official further noted that additional measures will be taken based on the demand.