The origin of the term, ‘textile' can be traced back to the Latin origin. The original meaning of the term is ‘weave'. The textile tradition of India is perhaps the world's oldest textile tradition. The textile industry occupies a very significant place in the Indian subcontinent.
After China, India is the second most preferred textile destination. The major strength of the Indian textile industry lies in cotton. The textile industry in our country enjoys a rich and glorious past. The textile industry has contributed up to 16% of the nation's export earning. Following the agricultural sector, the Indian textile industry is considered to be the second largest employment generator.
The Indian textile industry comprises of the following primary sectors: Handicraft Industry; Silk Industry; Jute Industry; Woolen Textile Industry; Filament Yarn Industry. The textile industry of India has many added advantages. The domestic textile industry has a strong multi-fiber raw material production. Another addition to the advantage factors includes the availability of large labor force with required skills at a comparative cheap rate. The textile industry of the nation has also been facing many disadvantages. The main disadvantages of the textile industry which restricts its pace and development include: the split up of the whole industry; limitations and hazards in the processing procedure; quality of cotton; problems of labor reform; infrastructural limitations. Keeping in view the importance of growth and development in the textile industry, sincere efforts and initiatives are being taken in the recent times to attract huge investment and encourage widespread growth and development of this particular sector.
