With the rains expected to hit Mumbai early this year, umbrella makers speed up production
With the rains expected to hit Mumbai early this year, umbrella makers speed up production
Umbrella manufacturers in the city have had an exceedingly busy summer this year. With the monsoons expected to hit Mumbai early, they have had to speed up production.
The MET department has advised umbrella manufacturers and retailers to be prepared, as the rains are expected to hit Mumbai in the first week of June.
|
|
Play safe: The MET department has predicted that rains may hit Mumbai in the first week of June. REPRESENTATION PIC |
Jayesh Chopra, owner of Sagar and Sons Company, an umbrella manufacturer, said, "The meteorological department has informed us that the rains are expected early this year and advised us to be ready with umbrellas accordingly. Retailers who generally purchase umbrellas in June have made their bookings in April this year."
Currim and Sons, a leading umbrella manufacturer, and Metro Umbrellas have also stocked up early.
Users like Reshma Maisheri from Mulund too have decided to stock up by the end of this month. "We have been reading in the newspapers about early and heavy rainfall. It is safer to purchase our rain gear before it pours," she said.
Price hike
Meanwhile, umbrella manufactures have revealed that the prices are likely to go up by 25 to 30 per cent this year. "Last year, the dollar rate was Rs 39-40. It has gone up to Rs 50 this year. The dollar rates have an impact on the cost of the material, as it is imported from China," said Mahendra Jain, president of Umbrella Manufacturers and Traders Association.
u00a0
They have also warned that there will be a shortage of nylon umbrellas this year, as there is a nylon deficit in foreign markets.
Despite all this, umbrella makers are happy this year. Explained Jivraj Kataria of Metro Umbrellas, "The prediction of early and heavy rains means more people will buy umbrellas this year and bring more business for us."
Intense rainfall...As compared to the 19 days last year, 22 days have been earmarked as dangerous this monsoon. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has said Mumbai is going to witness more intense rainfall in lesser periods of time this year.
