Bhiwandi with about 4.5 lakh looms and over 25,000 loom owners, is the largest powerloom centre. But majority of these looms are old and low technology looms which are not capable of producing quality required in the international market. Most of the loom owners are also ignorant about the threats and challenges of globalisation and the need for modernisation.

It may be recalled that in July, the Powerloom Development and Export Promotion Council (Pdexcil) announced a modernisation and upgradation programme at five powerloom centres - Bhiwandi, Borhanpur, Malegaon, Erode and Madurai that were to be undertaken by the textile research associations (TRAs) like Sasmira, ATIRA, BTRA, SITRA. It identified 100 units in each centre to be given the refinance of Rs 10-50 lakh per unit by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (Sidbi) and theNational Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard). Of these, Sasmira is working on the Bhiwandi powerloom project which has identified 100 units to be taken up with SIDBI refinance which was disbursed by the State Bank of India, Bhiwandi branch on September 15.

Speaking on the occasion, YK Kusumgar, president, Sasmira cautioned powerloom owners that unless they modernise their operations, they may face stiff competition from the international market. He also emphasised the need for selection of appropriate technology and production of speciality textiles for meeting global standards.

SR Amin, general manager, SIDBI also advised powerloom units to remain creditworthy through overall modernisation of their operations.

BC Khatua, textile commissioner emphasised the need for improving quality of fabrics produced in the decentralised sector and stressed on the market research and relocation of product for better profitability. Through this technology upgradation programme helping 100 units, thePdexcil would be setting examples for other units in that centre. The objective is to motivate other loom owners to upgrade their set-up.