The state government will focus on the textile and leather sectors in 2017 to boost industrial growth and follow the model of Bangladesh, which has excelled in manufacturing garments and leather goods.

The move comes after the state government realised that no big-ticket industrial investment was coming to the state despite continuous efforts by way of industrial policies in 2006, in 2011, and the latest one in August this year.

Industry department officials have decided to follow the Bangladesh model of having small units to get over hurdles, including scarcity of land, that hampered big industries from coming.

"The state government will declare 2017 as the year of textile and leather. We are currently working out the modalities. Bihar has much potential in these two sectors and we want the state to realise it. Both sectors could employ a large number of people," said industries department principal secretary S. Siddharth.

"We are expecting 500 to 600 units to be set up in these two sectors in 2017, and we are gearing up to provide all help to entrepreneurs," Siddharth said.

"The Bangladesh model of having small manufacturing units will be emulated in the two sectors to resolve land and capital issues. Small units need much less of these in comparison to big industries which need huge space and investment. They also generate more employment."

Bihar has a long tradition in textile with traditional manufacturing hubs in Bhagalpur, Madhubani, Nalanda, Gaya and Buxar. The leather industry is mostly spread over the Kosi and Seemanchal regions, and Patna district.

The industries department has decided to train people for work in such units so industries find ready workers.