Maharashtra hailstorm forecast: Hailstorm forecast in 14 districts More rainfall likely in the state today and tomorrowIMD Weather Forecast: There is a possibility of hailstorm in some parts of the state. Hail is expected at some places and rain at most places for two days.Heavy rain warning: There is a possibility of hailstorm in some parts of the state. Hail is expected at some places and rain at most places for two days. More rainfall is likely over East Vidarbha, South Marathwada and South Central Maharashtra. Orange alert has also been issued in some districts.The environment is favorable for rain in many parts of the state today. Meanwhile, hailstorm with lightning and thunder has been predicted at some places in Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Beed, Dharashiv, Latur, Nanded, Parbhani, Hingoli, Yavatmal, Wardha, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli districts.The Meteorological Department estimates that at this time winds will blow at a speed of 50 to 60 kilometers per hour. Also today, rain with lightning is expected at some places in Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Raigarh, Pune, Ahilyanagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Washim, Amravati, Nagpur, Bhandara and Gondia districts.Rain and hailstorm are expected in the state tomorrow also. Tomorrow, there is a possibility of hailstorm with lightning and thunder at some places in Ahilyanagar, Beed, Jalna, Parbhani, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nashik and Jalgaon districts. It has also been predicted that stormy winds will blow at this time. There is a possibility of light rain in Vidarbha, Marathwada and other districts of Central Maharashtra.Rain will reduce in the state from Friday. Light rain has been predicted at some places in South Marathwada and East Vidarbha on Friday. The Meteorological Department has also predicted that the rainy season will clear in the state from Saturday and the temperature will start rising again.read more:- Raw material cost increased by 20–25% in India's textile industry
India's Textile Industry Sees 20-25% Surge In Raw Material CostsIndia’s textile industry is facing mounting pressure as raw material costs surge significantly, with over half of manufacturers reporting a 20–25% increase in input expenses. Industry associations and company sources point to rising costs across the value chain, creating a challenging environment for producers already operating on tight margins.A major driver behind this spike is the sharp rise in crude oil prices, which have crossed the $100 per barrel mark amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Since a large portion of textile inputs are petroleum-based, this increase has directly impacted production costs. Synthetic fibres such as polyester and nylon—key components in India’s textile output—are especially affected.These fibres account for nearly 60% of the country’s textile production, making the industry highly sensitive to fluctuations in oil prices. As a result, polyester prices have jumped by around 20%, while nylon costs have risen by approximately 5%. In addition, dyes and chemicals have become costlier by nearly 20%, pushing overall dyeing expenses up by about 30%.The cumulative effect of these increases has driven garment manufacturing costs higher by 10–15%. This has significantly strained cost structures, particularly for small and medium-sized textile businesses that have limited ability to absorb such shocks.Further compounding the situation, logistics expenses have surged dramatically. Shipping and freight costs have risen by as much as 80–90%, largely due to global supply chain disruptions. This has added an extra burden, especially for exporters who rely heavily on international markets.For now, many companies are choosing to absorb these rising costs to avoid passing them on to consumers and risking a drop in demand. However, industry players caution that this strategy may not be viable in the long run. If elevated costs persist beyond a couple of months, price hikes may become unavoidable as firms struggle to maintain profitability while navigating continued input and logistics pressures.read more :- Odisha gives green signal to $33M investment in textile sector
Odisha clears US $33 Million in Investments for Garments, Technical TextilesThe Odisha government has approved 23 industrial investment proposals worth Rs. 4,510.65 crore (US $486 million), a move expected to generate more than 10,122 jobs across 11 districts in the state.The proposals were cleared at a meeting of the State-level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA), chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, underscoring the state’s continued push to attract large-scale industrial investments and boost employment.Labour-intensive sectors, particularly garments and technical textiles, featured prominently among the approved projects. Sonaselection India Ltd is set to establish a garment manufacturing unit in Khurda with an investment of Rs. 130 crore (US $14.03 million), which is expected to create 1,858 jobs. Meanwhile, Alphatex Pvt Ltd will develop a technical textile manufacturing facility in the same district, investing Rs. 180 crore (US $19.43 million) and generating approximately 1,050 employment opportunities.The approvals reflect Odisha’s strategic focus on labour-intensive industries and infrastructure development, aimed at driving inclusive economic growth and enhancing job creation across multiple regions.read more :- UP will become textile hub, mega park in Lucknow
UP will become the new textile hub of the country, mega textile park being built in LucknowUttar Pradesh is accelerating its industrial growth under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, with a major push in the textile sector. A large-scale Mega Textile Park is being developed in Lucknow, which is expected to position the state as a leading textile hub in India.The project is being implemented under the Central Government’s PM MITRA (Prime Minister Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel) scheme. Around 1,000 acres of land has been acquired for the park, and nearly ₹990 crore is being invested in developing world-class infrastructure.A key highlight of the project is the creation of a complete textile value chain within a single integrated hub—from “farm to fiber, fiber to fabric, and fabric to fashion.” This integrated ecosystem is expected to reduce production costs, improve efficiency, and strengthen the competitiveness of industries in global markets.The PM MITRA initiative has already attracted investment interest worth over ₹63,000 crore across seven proposed textile parks in the country. Each park is projected to generate around 3 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities, offering significant job prospects for the youth.The Uttar Pradesh government is also focusing on strong infrastructure support, including well-developed road networks, reliable electricity supply, water availability, and logistics connectivity, making the park highly attractive for domestic and global investors.This Mega Textile Park marks a major step toward transforming Uttar Pradesh into a self-reliant and employment-driven industrial state. In the coming years, it is expected to boost investment, exports, and overall industrial development, further strengthening the state’s economy.read more:- MSP Support of ₹1,718.56 Crore for Cotton Farmers
Cabinet Approves ₹1,718.56 Crore MSP Support for Cotton Farmers Through CCIIn a significant move aimed at strengthening farmer welfare, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved ₹1,718.56 crore in Minimum Support Price (MSP) funding for the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) for the 2023–24 cotton season.This financial support is intended to provide direct price assurance to cotton farmers across the country.For the 2023–24 season, cotton cultivation covered an estimated 114.47 lakh hectares, with production projected at 325.22 lakh bales—nearly 25% of global cotton output. The MSP for seed cotton (kapas) is determined based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices.According to the CCEA, MSP operations are crucial in protecting farmers, especially when market prices dip below the MSP. These interventions help stabilise prices, prevent distress sales, and ensure fair returns, thereby strengthening the economic security of cotton-growing communities.Cotton remains one of India’s most important cash crops, supporting around 60 lakh farmers and providing livelihoods to 400–500 lakh people engaged in related sectors such as processing, trade, and textiles.The Cotton Corporation of India serves as the central nodal agency for MSP operations in cotton. It procures all Fair Average Quality (FAQ) cotton from farmers without any quantitative limit whenever market prices fall below MSP levels, offering a reliable safety net.To ensure smooth procurement, CCI has set up an extensive network across 11 major cotton-producing states, with over 508 procurement centres operating in 152 districts. Additionally, the corporation has introduced several technology-driven and farmer-focused initiatives to improve efficiency and transparency in MSP operations.read more :- Rupee fell 23 paise to close at 92.63 per dollar
The Indian rupee lower 23 paise to close at 92.63 per dollar on Wednesday, compared to its opening price of 92.40 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was up 633.29 points or 0.83 percent at 76,704.13, and the Nifty was up 196.65 points or 0.83 percent at 23,777.80. About 3045 shares advanced, 1073 shares declined, and 128 shares unchanged.read more :- Result of war: Increase in cotton yarn demand
War fallout: Demand for cotton yarn picks up from ChinaDemand for Indian cotton yarn has picked up from countries such as China, Bangladesh and Vietnam among following the disruption in global logistics after the break-out of war in West Asia.“There is a very good demand for cotton yarn from China. Due the disruption in the global supply chain, whatever cotton the Chinese buyers may have bought may not reach in time. So instead of buying cotton, they are buying cotton yarn from India to meet their immediate requirement,” said Vinay N Kotak, President, Cotton Association of India (CAI).Kotak said the cotton imports are affected because of this disruption in supply chain. The freight rates have gone up and also the prices have moved up. Also, the transit time has increase substantially – may be by at least 10-15 days, he said.To ease the cotton supply situation, China has increased the quota for imports compared to last year. On Monday, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China has issued 3 lakh tonne of cotton sliding-scale duty quota to ease the current tight cotton supply situation. This year the quota is higher by 1 lakh tonne when compared with 2025.Ramanuj Das Boob, a sourcing agent in Raichur said the demand for yarn is good from China and also from countries such as Bangladesh and Vietnam. Yarn prices have improved by ₹10-15 per kg on rising demand.Further, the domestic prices are also seen improving on firming demand and tracking the global market. Cotton Futures on ICE are hovering around 68.78 cents per pound, an increase of 13 per cent over the past two weeks.In the domestic market, the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), currently the largest stock holder, has increased the prices by a total ₹1,200 per candy in last two days.“There is a good demand for cotton due to better yarn prices,” Boob said.Taking into account the emerging developments in the markets, CAI has revised upwards the domestic off-take of cotton by 10 lakh bales of 170 kg each to 315 lakh bales as of end-February, compared to end-January projections of 305 lakh bales.read more :- Techtextil to focus on performance clothing in 2026
Techtextil 2026 highlights growth in performance apparelTechtextil 2026 is set to spotlight the rising global demand for performance apparel textiles, driven by innovation, functionality, and sustainability. The “Performance Apparel Textiles” segment in Hall 9.0 will host around 130 exhibitors from 13 countries, showcasing advanced materials for workwear, protective clothing, sportswear, outdoor gear, and smart fashion applications.A major attraction of the event will be the live demonstration segment, “Performance Apparels on Stage,” where next-generation wearable technologies will be displayed in real-life scenarios. These demonstrations will highlight how modern textiles can provide protection, regulate temperature, improve comfort, and integrate smart features such as sensing and lighting systems.The focus on functional textiles is growing, especially for extreme environments, offering enhanced durability, cooling properties, and safety features. This is opening new opportunities for brands to differentiate their products by combining performance with sustainability and user comfort. The event also serves as a key networking platform for professionals involved in sourcing, design, and product development to explore innovations and build partnerships.An expert jury has selected several standout innovations that emphasize a holistic approach to sustainability, including durability, repairability, and wearer comfort. Exhibits will include UV-protective fabrics, flame-resistant materials, circular textiles, and thermoregulating garments, reflecting rapid technological progress in the sector.Key innovations include recyclable and stretchable workwear fabrics, lightweight protective suits for harsh conditions, chemical-free UV-protection textiles, and knit-to-shape garments with integrated lighting. Additional developments focus on thermal management systems, recycled multi-risk protective fabrics, and fibre technologies that help maintain a stable microclimate.Alongside Techtextil, Texprocess (Hall 8.0) will complement the exhibition by showcasing textile manufacturing technologies, demonstrating how AI and automation are enabling efficient scaling of innovations from concept to industrial production, bridging the gap between material development and real-world manufacturing.read more :- ATEXCON 2026 in Hyderabad hosted by CITI
CITI, Telangana to host ATEXCON 2026 in Hyderabad, IndiaThe Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), in partnership with the Government of Telangana, will host the 13th Asian Textile Conference (ATEXCON) on April 2–3, 2026, in Hyderabad. Themed “Reimagining the Future of Global Textiles,” the event will run alongside the Telangana Textile Dialogue, bringing together global industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders.ATEXCON 2026 aims to serve as a strategic platform to shape the next decade of the textiles and apparel industry. According to CITI Chairman Ashwin Chandran, the conference will go beyond discussions, focusing on actionable strategies to strengthen the sector amid global uncertainty and rapid transformation.The conference will center on three major pillars: fibres and fabrics, manufacturing and supply chains, and markets and trade. Discussions will explore scalable innovations such as bio-fibres, manmade fibres, and traceability, alongside advancements in AI-driven manufacturing, automation, and circularity, as well as strategies to tap into emerging consumer markets.Key highlights include a Ministerial Dinner to foster dialogue between policymakers and industry leaders, Lifetime Achievement Awards to honor contributions to the textile sector, and a Startup Pitch and Networking Gala. The startup platform will spotlight innovations in materials, recycling, AI, logistics, and supply chain technologies.Delegates will also have the opportunity to visit the PM MITRA Park in Warangal, offering insights into India’s evolving textile manufacturing ecosystem. This initiative reflects the country’s push toward integrated, large-scale textile infrastructure.The Telangana Textile Dialogue, held in parallel, will focus on building a future-ready textile ecosystem driven by sustainability, technology, and global collaboration. With discussions spanning policy, investment, innovation, and skill development, the event aligns with India’s broader ambition to grow its textile and apparel industry to $350 billion by 2030 while strengthening its role as a major economic and employment driver.read more :- The rupee opened 2 paise lower at 92.40.
Rupee Opens 2 Paise lower at 92.40/USDThe Indian Rupee opened 2 paise lower at 92.40 against the dollar on Wednesday, compared to its Tuesday closing level of 92.38.READ MORE :- Rupee higher 01 paise to close at 92.38 per dollar
The Indian rupee higher 01 paise to close at 92.38 per dollar on Tuesday, compared to 92.39 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was up 567.99 points or 0.75 percent at 76,070.84, and the Nifty was up 172.35 points or 0.74 percent at 23,581.15. About 2252 shares advanced, 1820 shares declined, and 138 shares unchanged.read more :- Crisis in cotton procurement: Increasing difficulties faced by farmers
Cotton Procurement Crisis Deepens, Farmers Demand Extension of CCI Purchase DeadlineThe ongoing challenges in cotton procurement across Maharashtra are intensifying, leaving farmers in a state of growing uncertainty. There is a strong demand that the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) should keep procurement centres open until the end of April and ensure that all farmers—whether registered or unable to secure slot bookings—are allowed to sell their produce.While Agriculture Minister Dattatreya Bharne stated in the state assembly that the agricultural sector remains stable, the ground reality in the Vidarbha region tells a different story. In Yavatmal district alone, over 40,000 farmers are still waiting to complete registration for cotton sales, highlighting the scale of the issue across the state.This year’s Kharif season has been particularly difficult for cotton growers due to prolonged and heavy monsoon rains. Early harvests were damaged as cotton got wet, leading to quality deterioration. In addition, delayed picking and a shortage of labour have significantly increased production costs, forcing farmers to pay higher wages.Although the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cotton is ₹8,110 per quintal, market prices have largely remained between ₹6,000 and ₹7,000, pushing farmers toward CCI procurement centres. However, procurement has been inconsistent this season. Centres opened late, and for the first time, registration was made mandatory through the ‘Cotton Kisan App’, creating difficulties for many farmers due to limited smartphone access and poor internet connectivity in rural areas.Even after registration, farmers faced another major hurdle—mandatory slot booking for selling cotton. Many were unable to secure slots due to limited availability, raising concerns about whether their produce would be procured at all.Farmers initially expected procurement to continue until the end of March, as in previous years. However, after the February 28 deadline, CCI extended procurement only until March 15. Due to delays and holidays, actual procurement activity lasted only a few days at several centres.Recognising the severity of the situation, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has written to Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh requesting an extension of cotton procurement until April 30, 2026.Farmers are now demanding that CCI extend procurement operations until the end of April and include all affected growers, especially those unable to register or book slots.Adding to their distress, many farmers had stored cotton expecting better prices. However, earlier sales by CCI at lower rates weakened market prices, offering little relief to growers. From cultivation to marketing, farmers say policy decisions have consistently added to their difficulties rather than easing them.read more :- Rupee Opens 3 Paise Higher at 92.39
Rupee Opens 3 Paise Higher at 92.39/USDThe Indian Rupee opened 3 paise higher at 92.39 against the dollar on Tuesday, whereas it had closed at 92.42 on Monday.READ MORE :- Nahar Group will invest Rs 1,500 crore in Punjab
Punjab Investors' Summit: Nahar Group to invest Rs 1,500 cr across textiles, renewables, data centrePunjab witnessed major investment commitments during the Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit 2026 in Mohali, with several industrial leaders announcing large-scale projects aimed at boosting the state's economy and employment opportunities.At the summit, Kamal Oswal, chairman of Nahar Group, announced an investment of ₹1,500 crore for modernising the company’s existing textile units, expanding renewable energy initiatives, and establishing a new data centre in Mohali. He said the summit reflected renewed confidence among investors and highlighted that Punjab is once again emerging as a strong destination for industrial investment.Oswal also noted that the state’s industrial sector had faced a slowdown in the past, with many companies exploring opportunities outside Punjab. However, he credited the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for restoring investor confidence and rebuilding an industry-friendly environment in the state.Several other industrialists also announced significant investments. P. J. Singh, managing director of Tynor Orthotics, revealed plans to invest ₹1,000 crore over the next three years, describing the summit as an important platform to showcase investment opportunities in the state. Similarly, Rudra Pratap, Vice Chancellor of Plaksha University, said ₹950 crore has already been committed for developing the institution and announced an additional ₹5,000 crore investment plan to strengthen innovation, education, and entrepreneurship.Industry representatives from companies such as Arisudana Industries, Sanatan Polycot, and Ganga Acrowools Ltd also expressed appreciation for the Punjab government’s support to the industrial sector. Ajay Datani of Sanatan Polycot highlighted that Punjab is becoming one of the most promising industrial destinations due to its efficient implementation and nurturing of industrial projects.Meanwhile, Ashish Kumar, managing director of Vervio India, emphasised the company’s commitment to sustainable development through its paddy straw-based compressed biogas plant in Punjab, which has a production capacity of 33 tonnes per day. He added that farmers in the state are key stakeholders in the initiative, further strengthening the link between industry and agriculture.read more :- WPI Rises to 2.13% in February Due to Rising Clothing Prices
India's WPI inflation at 2.13% in Feb amid higher textile pricesIndia’s wholesale price inflation (WPI) rose to 2.13% year-on-year in February 2026, compared to 1.81% in January, driven by higher prices of manufactured goods, food items, and textiles, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.The overall WPI index increased slightly to 158.2 in February from 157.8 in January, while month-on-month inflation stood at 0.25%. The rise in inflation was largely supported by price increases in manufacturing, food products, basic metals, non-food articles, and textiles.Within the manufacturing sector—the largest component of the WPI basket—the index rose 0.47% month-on-month to 148.2. Out of 22 industry groups, 16 recorded price increases, including textiles, food products, electrical equipment, and chemicals, while five saw declines.The textiles segment registered a 0.71% monthly rise, taking its index to 141.4 in February. On a yearly basis, textile inflation climbed to 3.29%, up from 2.48% in January, indicating stronger price pressures in the sector.The wearing apparel category also showed a mild increase, with prices rising 0.13% month-on-month and 2.14% year-on-year.Among broader WPI groups, primary articles inflation stood at 3.27%, while fluctuations in fuel and manufactured goods further influenced overall price movements.Overall, the data indicates that producer-level inflationary pressure is gradually building across multiple sectors, particularly textiles and manufacturing.read more :- Crisis on Barwani cotton trade due to Iran-Israel war
Iran-Israel war's impact on Barwani's cotton trade, fear of export stallingThe impact of the Iran-Israel war is now visible on the cotton trade of Barwani district of Madhya Pradesh. Increasing uncertainty in international sea routes may affect imports and exports, which has increased concerns among local traders.According to Gopal Tayal, a cotton trader from Barwani and president of the Cotton Association, India's cotton trade largely depends on international import-export. India imports long staple cotton from countries like America, Brazil and Australia.Transportation costs will increase due to sea routes being affectedGopal Tayal, local cotton trader of the district and president of the Cotton Association, said that in the current war situation, many countries including America are involved in it in some way or the other, due to which global business activities are being affected. Important sea routes near Iran, especially the Gulf of Hormuz, have become extremely sensitive.If this route is affected, ships will have to take a longer detour through Africa, which will significantly increase transportation costs and make trade expensive.Pressure may increase on cotton and textile industryIndia imports cotton in large quantities from America, while the clothes and readymade garments produced here are exported to many countries in Europe. But due to the war, instability in the markets of Europe has also increased.If exports are disrupted, finished goods may remain stuck within the country, which will increase the pressure of goods in the market and the textile industry may have to suffer huge losses.Transportation is expensive, prices of clothes increase by 30-35%Traders say transportation costs have increased due to disruption in ship movement in the Strait of Hormuz and costly war risk insurance. Due to increase in the prices of raw materials, the prices of finished clothes are also increasing by about 30-35 percent and exports have almost come to a standstill.Traders said that it is necessary to establish peace soon, so that international trade can become normal and the cotton and textile industry can be saved from losses.read more :- The rupee closed 02 paise higher at 92.42 against the dollar.
| title | Created At | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Possibility of heavy rain and hail in 14 districts | 19-03-2026 14:06:25 | view |
| Raw material cost increased by 20–25% in India's textile industry | 19-03-2026 12:14:20 | view |
| Odisha gives green signal to $33M investment in textile sector | 19-03-2026 11:59:47 | view |
| “Lucknow Mega Textile Park to Turn UP into India’s Textile Hub” | 18-03-2026 17:28:53 | view |
| MSP Support of ₹1,718.56 Crore for Cotton Farmers | 18-03-2026 17:19:36 | view |
| Rupee fell 23 paise to close at 92.63 per dollar | 18-03-2026 15:39:39 | view |
| Result of war: Increase in cotton yarn demand | 18-03-2026 11:47:36 | view |
| “Techtextil 2026 Showcases Next-Gen Performance Textiles” | 18-03-2026 11:20:05 | view |
| ATEXCON 2026 in Hyderabad hosted by CITI | 18-03-2026 11:05:27 | view |
| The rupee opened 2 paise lower at 92.40. | 18-03-2026 09:21:31 | view |
| Rupee higher 01 paise to close at 92.38 per dollar | 17-03-2026 16:53:53 | view |
| Cotton Procurement Crisis: Farmers Seek Extension of CCI Deadline | 17-03-2026 12:00:03 | view |
| Rupee Opens 3 Paise Higher at 92.39 | 17-03-2026 09:13:42 | view |
| Nahar Group will invest Rs 1,500 crore in Punjab | 16-03-2026 17:28:09 | view |
| “WPI Inflation Rises to 2.13% in February as Textile Prices Strengthen” | 16-03-2026 17:09:26 | view |
| Crisis on Barwani cotton trade due to Iran-Israel war | 16-03-2026 16:56:37 | view |
