Textile exports grew by a mere 1.49 per cent in the first half of the previous fiscal as against the year-ago period, while the situation improved in the second half of 2007-08, it said.
The statement said that as part of the medium term strategy the government has decided to continue with the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme, Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks and the Technology Mission on Cotton in the XIth five year plan.
Giving boost
About 15 per cent rupee appreciation between October 2006 and April 2008 hit handicraft exporters in particular. Having reached a peak of Rs 20,963 crore in 2006-07, handicrafts exports slipped to Rs 17,537 crore in 2007-08. For giving boost to the sector by improving infrastructure, the government also proposes to develop 10 additional textile parks by 2012 under the Scheme for Textile Parks.
