PM Modi states Khadi business hits Rs 1.5 Lakh Crore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Khadi Gramodyog’s business has surpassed Rs 1.5 lakh crore, with sales increasing by 400%. Rising demand for Khadi, both in India and globally, has created numerous jobs, especially for women.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Sunday that Khadi Gramodyog’s business has surpassed Rs 1.5 lakh crore for the first time. He emphasized that the increasing sales of Khadi and handloom are generating numerous new job opportunities.

In his Mann Ki Baat monthly radio broadcast, Modi noted that many people who previously did not use Khadi products now wear them with pride. “The Khadi Gramodyog’s business has crossed Rs 1.5 lakh crore for the first time. Do you know how much sales of Khadi have gone up—’400 per cent’. “You must be having different types of clothes and till now if you have not bought khadi clothes then start buying them,” Modi said.

Khadi is one of the important part of the Indian textile industry. Its a natural fibre cloth, woven by hand. Its made from hand-spun and hand-woven yarn using cotton, silk, and wool fibers. The khadi cloths are unique as they are handcrafted by the skilled artisans. Its promotion is done by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Indian khadi products have seen rising demand in global markets like the US, UAE, UK, and Germany due to their unique and translucent quality. Previously exported under Indian handloom HS codes, khadi products received their own HS codes in November 2019, significantly boosting exports worldwide.

Demand for Khadi fabrics has surged over the past nine financial years. Sales grew from Rs.1081 crores in 2013-14 to Rs.5943 crores in 2022-23, marking a 450% increase. Post-COVID-19, global demand for organic clothing has risen, contributing to the increased demand for Khadi garments.

Increase in the production of KVI products is also seen, as it has increased from Rs.26,109 crores in the financial year 2013-14 to Rs.95,957 crores in 2022-23, marking a significant 268% growth. This substantial rise demonstrates the significant impact of KVIC’s efforts in rural areas.

“The rising sales of Khadi and handloom are creating new job opportunities in large numbers,” he added. He highlighted that mostly women are associated with this industry, thus benefiting the most. Employment opportunities in this sector has increased by 70%, from financial year 2013-14 to financial year 2022-23. Also initiatives like ‘Make in India’, ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India), contributes to it.