19 December 2022, Mumbai
In a cut-and sew industry, the labour gets the cloth, cuts and sews it for the market on a cost-to-cost basis. Families are engaged in this industry, with several persons in a family. They get the cloth, make jackets, sweatshirts, etc and sell the products on minimal margins. Even though the margins are not high, they are able to sustain as they produce huge volumes.
Ludhiana is known for its hosiery and woolen products worldwide. The products manufactured here are sent to Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, among others.
Ludhiana in Punjab accounts for over 90 per cent of the total winter wear production in the country. There are around 12,000 units, a majority of them in the micro, small and medium category, which are engaged in the production of winter wear in Ludhiana. Winter wear comprises basic sweaters, hoodies, sweat shirts, jackets, shawls, cardigans and trousers.Every year,manufacturers wait for the winter season for orders, but this year they are worried owing to the low sentiment of buyers. If a manufacturer did about six lakh pieces a month, that has come down to three lakh pieces a month.
Among the reasons for the slowdown are overall market recession, competition with China and Bangladesh, delayed winter season etc.
