22 August 2024, Mumbai
From Rs 1,081 crore in 2013-14, the sales of Khadi fabrics expanded by staggering 500 per cent to reach Rs 6,496 crore in 2023-24.
In the previous fiscal year, 2022-23, the sales of Khadi fabric had amounted to Rs 5,943 crore. As per the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, (KVIC), this growth was fueled by extensive promotional initiatives that have significantly expanded Khadi's global reach, from the US and UK to Europe and Dubai.
The Indian government has launched several initiatives to establish Khadi as a global brand and boost its exports. A few of these include the registration of the Khadi trademark in five countries—Germany, the UK, Australia, Russia, and China—and efforts to prevent the misuse of the Khadi brand name internationally. Additionally, the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK) has collaborated with various Khadi institutions to develop new clothing lines featuring vibrant colors and modern silhouettes.
Employment in Khadi and village industries has also increased from 1.3 crore in FY 2013-14 to 1.87 crore in FY 2023-24 As per KVIC, sales under its supervision increased to Rs 1.5 lakh crore in the FY 2023-24, compared to ₹1.3 lakh crore the previous year. As a statutory entity under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, the commission is tasked with promoting Khadi fabric and providing employment opportunities for rural artisans.
