WOOL SECTOR

1. Introduction

Wool, though modest in presence compared to other natural fibers, remains essential for winter apparel, suiting, floor coverings, and industrial uses. Originating from rural areas, it plays a crucial role in employment and the rural economy. The wool industry spans small-scale artisans to large-scale enterprises, supporting both local and national economies.

In India, the woolen sector, valued at Rs. 14,434.15 crores in 2023-24, includes both organized and decentralized sectors. The organized sector comprises composite mills, spinning units, and machine-made carpets, while the decentralized sector focuses on handmade carpets, woolen handlooms, and knitting.

India is home to the third-largest sheep population, producing 33.98 million kg of wool, primarily carpet-grade. While wool production remains steady, India imports a significant portion to meet the demand for finer wool used in apparel.

Wool Production (2015-2024)

Year Production (Mn Kg)
2015-16 43.60
2016-17 43.50
2017-18 41.47
2018-19 40.42
2019-20 36.74
2020-21 36.93
2021-22 33.00
2022-23 33.61
2023-24 33.98 (T)

Top Wool Producing States (2023-24)

# State Production (1000 Kg)
1 Rajasthan 16,123.31
2 Jammu & Kashmir 7,807.52
3 Gujarat 2,019.00
4 Maharashtra 1,608.00
5 Himachal Pradesh 1,500.00
6 Karnataka 659.00
7 Uttar Pradesh 942.50
8 West Bengal 771.00
9 Haryana 674.61

2. Wool Processing

The wool industry faces challenges due to outdated processing facilities. There is an urgent need to modernize both pre-loom and post-loom operations to enhance product quality and competitiveness in the international market.

Given the specialized nature of wool processing equipment, much of the machinery is imported from Europe, the USA, and Japan, with few components sourced locally.

3. Import & Export Trends

Import of Raw Wool (2015-2024)

Year Quantity (Mn Kg) Value (Rs Cr)
2015-16 97.83 2016.12
2016-17 87.15 1894.26
2017-18 79.95 1884.59
2018-19 77.43 2159.56
2019-20 69.21 1593.46
2020-21 81.62 995.15
2021-22 107.83 1660.37
2022-23 80.86 1864.58
2023-24 92.20 1798.84

Export of Wool Items (₹ Cr)

Year Woolen Yarn, Fabrics (₹ Cr) Ready Made Garments (₹ Cr) Carpet (Excluding Silk) (₹ Cr) Total (₹ Cr)
2015-16 1,284.91 1,724.86 9,421.75 12,431.52
2016-17 1,180.24 1,443.26 9,956.63 12,580.13
2017-18 1,197.86 1,089.97 9,196.99 11,484.82
2018-19 1,543.25 1,378.32 10,262.79 13,184.36
2019-20 1,282.36 1,096.18 9,581.38 11,959.92
2020-21 803.38 796.52 10,846.06 12,444.45
2021-22 1,239.33 1,105.53 13,069.42 15,414.28
2022-23 1,643.59 1,452.37 10,556.92 13,652.88
2023-24 1,587.09 1,672.57 11,174.49 14,434.15