New Delhi, Oct 26: The textile industry of India has grown to almost USD 190 billion in FY26, according to a report by Rubix Data Sciences. The industry is now eyeing a size of USD 350 billion by 2030 on the back of domestic demand, manufacturing investments and export opportunities.

While the sector remains a major employment generator, the central government is considering a Rs 400 billion, five-year Textile Expansion and Employment (TEEM) scheme to upgrade machinery, deploy advanced technology and modernise traditional clusters.

Textile exports, including handicrafts, grew 10.3 per cent on-year in April-August 2026, following a 2.7 per cent decline to USD 35.8 billion in FY26. Imports, meanwhile, rose 17.1 per cent to USD 9.6 billion.

Readymade garments accounted for 44 per cent of India's textile exports in FY26, followed by man-made fibre textiles at 15 per cent. However, rising input costs and uncertainty in key overseas markets continue to challenge manufacturers.

TEEM scheme could support Odisha's textile clusters

The proposed scheme could provide an opportunity for Odisha to strengthen its traditional weaving clusters and improve the competitiveness of smaller manufacturers. Machinery upgrades, technology adoption and better testing facilities could help producers improve productivity and access larger markets. The benefits, however, will depend on the scheme's final guidelines and eligibility criteria.

Odisha's 2026–27 budget proposed an outlay of Rs 382 crore for the handlooms, textiles and handicrafts sector, focusing on skill development, design innovation, technology adoption and market access. Another Rs 102 crore was proposed for three schemes covering handloom development, traditional weaving and silk production, according to the state budget speech.

Apparel manufacturing offers scope for expansion

Odisha has also attracted investment proposals in organised garment production. In September, the state approved a Rs 125 crore hosiery manufacturing project by Dollar Industries in Khordha, expected to generate 1,185 jobs, and a Rs 59 crore technical-textiles project by Sai Workwear in Puri, with 3,650 projected jobs.

Earlier, Page Industries inaugurated an apparel manufacturing facility at Ramdaspur in Cuttack district following an investment of around Rs 750 crore. The state government said the facility had created employment opportunities for more than 5,800 people.

Odisha's opportunity lies in connecting its traditional textile base with organised manufacturing and higher-value products. As India targets a USD 350 billion textile industry by 2030, effective implementation of state schemes, technology upgrades and access to central support could help the state strengthen its textile ecosystem. (with ANI inputs)