SIMA Urges Govt To Resolve Raw Material And Duty Issues
The Southern India Mills Association (SIMA) has urged the Central government to address critical issues related to the raw materials used by the textile industry. In a statement following its annual meeting, SIMA Chairman S.K. Sundaraman highlighted the need for a dedicated Technology Mission on Cotton (TMC) to improve cotton production and productivity. He also called for swift action on the inverted duty structure affecting the manmade fibre (MMF) value chain.
The government recently introduced a special package for the cotton sector, focusing on promoting indigenous seed technology for high-density planting, improving agronomy practices, and encouraging the cultivation of extra-long staple cotton. Initial trial projects under phase one showed a productivity increase of 30% to 60%. Phase two trials are currently underway.
Sundaraman also noted that during a recent meeting in Coimbatore with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Minister assured industry representatives that the government would take steps to resolve the inverted duty structure in the MMF sector under GST. Though the issue was addressed in 2022, the decision was later reversed following opposition from certain sections of the industry.
At the annual meeting, S.K. Sundaraman, Managing Director of Shiva Texyarn, was re-elected Chairman of SIMA for 2024-25. Durai Palanisamy, Executive Director of Pallava Textiles, Erode, was re-elected Deputy Chairman, and S. Krishnakumar, Managing Director of Sulochana Cotton Spinning Mills, Tiruppur, was re-elected Vice Chairman.
