Support industry before curbing imports: Toy makers to Centre

Mumbai, July 18 Amidst the growing chorus of 'Vocal for Local' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', toy industry players have thrown light at the grim reality of Indian manufacturing in the segment.

The All India Toys Federation (AITF) in a statement said that the sector requires substantial government support to ramp up production to cater to the domestic demand in case the government thinks of import substitution in the sector.

"While we fully endorse and support Indian goods, we are not ready to handle India's toy demand. India right now manufactures only 15 per cent of its total demand. It imports the rest from other countries," said Rehan Dhorajiwala, the spokesperson of the All India Toys Federation (AITF).

"If we don't augment our production capabilities and build a toy arsenal right now, we may face anarchy, where children would have nothing except board games," he said.

AITF is the apex body of toy manufacturers, traders and sellers in India.

Dhorajiwala said that amid the current crisis domestic producers cannot provide an alternative to imports.

He said although the government has announced many initiatives to uplift the Indian toy industry in the last few years, there has not been a corresponding growth in supply.

"We request the commerce and industry ministry to help boost production and logistics so that we can improve sales and distribution of locally made toys, without impacting the needs of India's children", Dhorajiwala said.

( With inputs from IANS )