How does textile industry occupy a unique position in Indian economy? Explain giving any five points.

1. The textile industry occupies a unique position in the Indian economy because of its significant contributions from the very beginning.

2. It contributes enormously towards industrial production i.e. 14%, employment generation i.e. 35 million persons directly – the second largest after agriculture and foreign exchange earnings i.e. about 24.6%.

3. It contributes 4% towards the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and is the only industry in the country which is self-reliant and complete in the value chain i.e. from raw materials to highest value-added products.

4. The textile industry as a whole (cotton, jute, silk) has close links with agriculture and provides a living to farmers, workers at various levels such as spinning, weaving, dyeing, designing, tailoring, sewing, and packaging.

5. This industry by creating huge demands supports many other industries, such as chemicals and dyes, mill stores and packaging materials and engineering works.

NOTE – Textile Industry, from the very beginning, have contributed to the economy of India as a whole. Employment generation, contribution to the GDP and supporting many other industries has helped in stabilizing the output generating capacity of the industry altogether.