Surat Weavers Turn to Google Survey to Tackle Deepening Textile Crisis

Surat | Gujarat —  The backbone of India’s man-made fibre (MMF) textile hub is under unprecedented stress, as Surat’s powerloom industry grapples with a sharp 25–30% surge in yarn prices, pushing thousands of weavers to the edge of survival. In a rare and telling move, industry leaders have turned to digital tools—seeking collective wisdom through online surveys—to decide whether to scale down operations or temporarily shut units altogether.

The ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran have sent shockwaves through global crude markets, directly impacting yarn prices—a key raw material for the powerloom sector. The ripple effect is now clearly visible in Surat, where production costs have skyrocketed while demand continues to shrink.

Facing a grim scenario, the Federation of Gujarat Weavers Association (FOGWA) has initiated a large-scale consultation process. Around 2,000 weavers have already shared their inputs via a Google form, deliberating critical options such as operating units in a single shift, taking two days off weekly, cutting production by up to 75%, or even declaring a month-long shutdown.

Ashok Jirawala, president of FOGWA, did not mince words while describing the situation. “The increase in yarn prices is not entirely justified. Even though crude oil prices are hovering around $90, the way yarn prices have been hiked appears somewhat artificial. This has severely disrupted the cost structure, making it nearly impossible for weavers to produce affordable fabric,” he said.

The crisis has been compounded by the near halt of textile exports to Dubai, a major market for Surat’s fabrics. With buyers unwilling to absorb higher costs, finished goods are piling up, and liquidity in the sector is drying fast.

Mayur Golwala, a prominent leader of the powerloom sector, highlighted the severity of the situation on the ground. “The industry is facing a three-pronged attack—rising raw material costs, weak demand, and labour migration. Artisans are leaving as units struggle to operate, and if immediate corrective measures are not taken, the situation could worsen drastically,” he warned.

The uncertainty has triggered intense debate among stakeholders. While some advocate partial production cuts to minimise losses, others believe a temporary shutdown could help stabilise the market and prevent further financial damage.

Industry insiders say the final decision will be based on majority feedback from weavers, but the very fact that such drastic options are being considered reflects the depth of the crisis.