Morbi, Feb 16 (NationPress) Gujarat’s Morbi district has emerged as the world’s second-largest ceramic manufacturing hub, trailing only China. The tiles crafted in this town are exported to various markets in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the US, bolstering India’s position in the global ceramics trade.

Commonly referred to as the ceramic capital of India, Morbi has experienced rapid industrial growth over the last decade.

Industry leaders assert that the products from this cluster now reach multiple countries, showcasing its expanding international footprint and competitiveness.

Officials credit this growth to ongoing entrepreneurial investments, backed by specific state incentives.

S. B. Parejia, General Manager of the Morbi District Industry Centre, noted that ceramic manufacturers benefit from a variety of subsidies aimed at promoting expansion and technological advancement.

“These include interest subsidies and capital subsidies to alleviate the financial pressure on manufacturing units. Additionally, participation in MDA’s showcases for establishing stalls qualifies for subsidies,” he explained.

Support is also provided for quality certifications and securing power connections, he added.

The state government’s overarching industrial framework, featuring initiatives aligned with Aatmanirbhar schemes, has been highlighted by industry groups as a pivotal element in this sector's development.

Though some policies are specific to certain sectors, officials maintain that enhancements in infrastructure and business operations have positively impacted manufacturing clusters throughout Gujarat, including ceramics.

The ceramic industry in Morbi is projected to create jobs for over 500,000 individuals, both directly and indirectly, making it one of the region’s largest employers.

Manufacturers emphasize that consistent access to gas and electricity is crucial for sustaining large-scale production.

Haresh Bopalia, President of the Floor Tiles Association in Morbi, mentioned that infrastructure support has been vital for the industry’s growth.

“Whenever any industry develops, the government addresses the need for infrastructure and power. For the ceramic sector, gas and electricity are essential, and the government guarantees their availability,” he said.

Industrialist Arvind Vasdaria remarked that the sector aligns with the national development vision outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Viksit Bharat @2047 also incorporates the ceramic industry,” he stated.

Recent figures released by the state government, prior to the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, reveal that Morbi represented approximately 80-90% of India’s ceramic exports in 2024–25, with shipments valued at around Rs 15,000 crore.

The tiles and related ceramic goods produced in this district account for a significant percentage of the nation’s total exports in this category.

The cluster consists of an estimated 1,200 manufacturing units. In the past two years, over Rs 115 crore in financial assistance has been allocated to more than 2,200 beneficiaries through various state industrial incentive programs, according to a government statement.

Under the Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Schemes 2022 for Supporting Industries, ceramic manufacturing is recognized as a key sector eligible for incentives, which encompass interest subsidies on term loans and the reimbursement of net State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) for qualifying units.

Additional advantages include reimbursement of employer statutory contributions and exemptions from electricity duty during initial production years.

The state has also established dedicated infrastructure, such as the GIDC Integrated Ceramic Park in the Morbi area, to bolster the value chain and foster advanced, high-value ceramic segments.

This facility is anticipated to provide logistical support, quality-testing facilities, and skill development programs.

With increasing exports, supportive policies, and infrastructure enhancements, Morbi’s ceramic cluster is poised to strengthen its global standing, positioning Gujarat as a significant player in India’s manufacturing growth.