PM MITRA Park could turn Kalaburagi into a textile hub, says chamber chief
KKCCI president says the PM MITRA Park in Kalaburagi can boost textile and industrial growth, urging local firms to export directly.
Kalaburagi is well placed to become a significant textile and industrial centre, according to Sharanabasappa M. Pappa, president of the Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCI). He was speaking on Thursday after inaugurating an export promotion workshop for prospective textile exporters in the district.
Mr. Pappa noted that Kalaburagi is one of seven locations selected by the Union government for the PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park. He said the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board has released ₹200 crore for the project, and the State government is developing the park across 1,000 acres. The initiative, he added, has the potential to generate employment for a large number of people.
A key theme of the workshop was the need to boost direct exports from the region. Mr. Pappa pointed out that while Kalaburagi's toor dal has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, it is not being exported directly from the district. Instead, traders from Gujarat and Maharashtra procure the produce locally and ship it abroad. He urged local entrepreneurs to export toor dal and textile products themselves, taking advantage of incentives offered by the government and the Department of Handlooms and Textiles.
Abdul Azeem, Joint Director of the District Industries Centre, said cement, pulses, and bentonite products are already being exported from Kalaburagi. He said efforts are underway to help local businesses reach international markets directly. The district administration is also improving infrastructure, including facilities needed for the proposed mega textile park. A six-day Export Management Training Programme is being organised to familiarise entrepreneurs with the export business. Interested individuals can contact the newly established office of the Visvesvaraya Trade Promotion Centre (VTPC) at the District Industries Centre.
B. Vittal Raju, Joint Director of the Handlooms and Textiles Department (North Zone), said exporting is not limited to large businesses. Small and medium entrepreneurs can also enter global markets with support from government agencies. He encouraged participants to contribute to the regional and national economy by earning foreign exchange.
Rajesh Bavagi, Director of KGTI, stressed the need for collaboration between educational institutions, industries, and the government to create more jobs and take local products to global markets. Kumareshan, a scientist from the Central Silk Board in Bengaluru, and export consultant Nagaveni also spoke about opportunities in the textile and silk sectors.
The event was attended by officials from the VTPC, the Department of Handlooms and Textiles, the KKCCI, and several entrepreneurs.