As industries across the world struggled hard to cope with the economic slowdown, the plastic and polymer processing sector in Saurashtra grew at an unprecedented rate over the last couple of years. And it is agriculture that has been a driving force for this industry.
Increasing use of plastic equipment and tools instead of cement-based products has led to mushrooming of units across the Saurashtra region. As many as 300 new units have come up in the last two years, taking the total number to 1,250.
While Shapar-Veraval and Metoda have been hubs of plastic industry for over two decades, new clusters have come up in Morbi (Rajkot district). Last financial year, the industry registered a turnover of Rs 8,000 crore, 15 per cent more than the previous year.
Saurashtra Plastic Manufactures Association president Pravin Gothi said: “Thanks to farmers, who are turning to new methods of agriculture, the sector has recorded a considerable growth. Agriculture has been a major driving force for this industry. Of the 15 per cent growth registered, agriculture sector accounts for 7 per cent.”
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