"India Needs Skill Development to Compete in Textile Industry, Says Ramraj Cotton Chairman KR Nagarajan"

The ongoing political instability in Bangladesh has created significant opportunities for Indian textile companies, but it also poses challenges that need to be addressed. KR Nagarajan, founder and chairman of Ramraj Cotton, emphasized the importance of skill development in the textile industry to seize these opportunities. In an interview with BusinessLine, he highlighted the need for the Indian textile sector to focus on talent development while also tackling labor shortages.

“There is a substantial gap in skills development within the textile industry. Last year, Tiruppur exported ₹30,000 crore worth of textiles, but to double that to ₹60,000 crore, we must bridge these gaps,” Nagarajan stated. He noted that while automation has transformed processes like spinning, weaving, and dyeing, garment production still heavily relies on human labor for tasks such as designing, cutting, and sewing.

Nagarajan pointed out that the current workforce in the garment sector is largely made up of migrants who often lack the necessary skills. Although some manufacturers can provide training, this is not consistent across the board, leading to inefficiencies in scaling production.

He urged both the central and state governments to significantly increase investments in skill training to fully capitalize on available opportunities. By doing so, India could mirror the success of countries like Bangladesh and China, which have prioritized workforce development and skills training in their textile sectors.

Recently, Ramraj Cotton opened a new store in Jayanagar, Bengaluru, with plans to establish approximately 15 more locations by March 2025. The company aims to strengthen its presence in North, East, and West India while expanding its international reach.

Currently, Ramraj Cotton exports to Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia, with plans to enter the UAE market soon. Nagarajan expressed that while the company has focused primarily on building a strong local presence, it is now preparing to become a pan-India brand over the next two years, after which it will pursue international expansion.

With 304 stores across India, including 64 in Karnataka, Ramraj Cotton’s manufacturing units in Tirupur, Erode, Salem, and Madurai support its robust production capabilities. Although the company plans to expand its manufacturing facilities, specific locations have not yet been confirmed.

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