Composites industries in India grew all along as city-centric units catering to the industries in and around the cities and mostly serving the urban population. Most of the 1200 manufacturing units in India are in and around Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Baroda, Delhi, Pune and Kolkatta. At a time when transport systems were inadequate and communication facilities, industrial infrastructure, raw materials supply and manpower availability were only in cities, such a growth pattern was inevitable.

But, things have changed now. Land prices in cities are sky rocketing hindering expansion plans. Workers are hard to get. Local residents raise complaints to pollution control boards. Managers and staff have to spend more time on roads fighting traffic congestion than in their offices or production shops. On the other hand, land prices are still cheaper in villages and good highways connect the length and breadth of the country. Connectivity through railways has improved. Communication through mobiles and Internet is available in every nook and corner. Surplus manpower is available in villages and they can be trained to take full time and part time jobs. With all these, why not have a different approach and shift the factories to villages that are conveniently located? Industries in Baroda have already shown the way. Raw material suppliers can operate a mobile delivery system catering to all industries in a region. Irregular power supply could be a problem, but it is becoming a problem in cities too and generators have to supplement power needs.

Industries also must develop products needed for villages, farming, food preservation and food processing. Government has announced several schemes to improve the food security and   for enhancing the rural infrastructure and purchasing power. Supporting this could give long-term benefits to the industry to develop the market in rural areas. As the purchasing power of villagers increases, the FRP industries could improve the local sales.

As our Father of Nation said that India lives in villages, composites industry could also live in Indian villages and for the villagers. There should be only one precondition. The industries must take care right from the beginning not to disturb the peace and tranquility of villages and not to pollute the air and water. Run the industries as zero waste units.

Yours sincerely,

   
Dr. N.G. NAIR
Honorary Editor