MANTRA, Dawoodi Bohras Explore Textile Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

SURAT : A new pathway into textiles and modern manufacturing is being explored for Dawoodi Bohra entrepreneurs, with Surat-based Man-Made Textile Research Association (MANTRA) holding talks with the Dawoodi Bohra Department of Economic Affairs (DBDEA) in Mumbai to provide technical and business support across the textile value chain.

A MANTRA delegation led by Director Dr Pankaj Gandhi, Deputy Director Dr Hitesh Jariwala and engineer Himanshu Desai met the DBDEA Economic Advisory Board at Wallace Street, Fort, Mumbai, on August 24. Discussions focused on creating new business opportunities and helping entrepreneurs establish sustainable textile ventures.

The proposed support would cover pre-feasibility and technical feasibility studies, preparation of detailed project reports, factory design and planning, machinery selection, product development, sample production, quality testing and commissioning of manufacturing units.

The initiative would also extend beyond setting up a business, with entrepreneurs receiving continuing technical guidance after production begins.

“Technical support should not end when a manufacturing unit starts production. Entrepreneurs need guidance on quality, product modification, testing and technical challenges as their businesses grow,” officials said during the discussions.

The proposed model follows a seven-stage approach — “Learn, Train, Start Business, Invest, Grow, Diversify and Solve Problems” — designed to help entrepreneurs make informed decisions at every stage.

Participants also discussed launching the initiative from Surat as a pilot. With Surat being one of India’s major textile production, processing and trading hubs, officials believe its industrial ecosystem could provide a practical model that can later be replicated across other textile centres.

The potential role of MANTRA as a technical implementation partner was also discussed. With more than five decades of textile research, R&D, testing and technical expertise, MANTRA can support activities ranging from fibre and yarn to weaving, knitting, processing, dyeing, printing, garments, technical textiles, reprocessing and new product development.

MANTRA’s laboratory is accredited by the Bureau of Indian Standards and the National Testing and Calibration Laboratories Accreditation Board, strengthening its role in quality assurance and testing.

The proposed collaboration aims to encourage Dawoodi Bohra entrepreneurs to diversify beyond traditional businesses and explore textiles, technical textiles and MSMEs.

Officials said such an initiative could generate new investments, employment and industrial opportunities while supporting the modernisation and expansion of existing enterprises.