India is a traditional textile-producing country with textiles in general, and cotton in particular, being major industries for the country. India is among the world’s top producers of yarns and fabrics, and the export quality of its products is ever

increasing. Textile Industry is one of the largest and oldest industries in India. Textile Industry in India is a self-reliant and independent industry and has great diversification and versatility.

The textile industry can be broadly classified into two categories, the organized mill sector and the unorganized decentralized sector. The organized sector of the textile industry represents the mills. It could be a spinning mill or a composite mill. Composite mill is one where the spinning, weaving and processing facilities are carried out under one roof. The decentralized sector is engaged mainly in the weaving activity, which makes it heavily dependent on the organized sector for their yarn requirements. This decentralized sector is comprised of the three major segments viz., powerloom, handloom and hosiery. In addition to the above, there are readymade garments, khadi as well as carpet manufacturing units in the decentralized sector. The Indian Textile Industry has an overwhelming presence in the economic life of the country. It is the second largest textile industry in the world after China. Apart from providing one of the basic necessities of life i.e. cloth, the textile industry contributes about 14% to the country's industrial output and about 17% to export earnings. After agriculture this industry provides employment to maximum number of people in India employing 35 million people. Besides, another 50 million people are engaged in allied activities. India is the largest producer of Jute, the 2nd largest producer of Silk, the 3rd largest producer of Cotton and Cellulosic Fibre / Yarn and 5th largest producer of Synthetic Fibers/Yarn.