'Textiles Ministry to push for extension of TMC'

Ahmedabad, Sept 16: Union Textile Minister Shankersinh Vaghela today said his ministry is pushing for the extension of the Technology Mission on Cotton (TMC) by at least three years so as to achieve development goals in the textile sector.

He said he would pursue the matter with the Finance Minsitry to extend the Mission by at least three years.

The TMC which was initiated in February 2000, has four Mini Missions, for research, transfer of technologies (dealt by the ICAT and agriculture ministry) and development of market yards and modernisation of ginning and pressing factories (taken care by the Textiles Ministry).

He said speedy development of the market yards and modernisation of ginning and pressing industries has led to record production of 250 lakh bales in the country this fiscal. ''Gujarat itself accounts for 100 lakh bales. Not only that, it has achieved the 700 kg per hectare goal,'' he added.

He, however said the Gujarat government should make conditions more viable to encaurage contract farming in the state. ''Water problem should be sorted out, so that more and more people come forward for contract farming. Maharashtra and Vidharbha region do not face water scarcity, and hence have more takers.'' He said India has been able to keep its position in the world market because of its quality production. ''China may be doing well in terms of mass production, but the ''Made in India'' tag is always percievd as more credible,'' he said.

UNI