The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has achieved a remarkable 15.7 percent growth in sales, reaching a record Rs 1.55 lakh crore and generating an impressive 10.17 lakh new jobs in rural areas during the financial year 2023-24, according to official figures released on Tuesday.
“In the last 10 financial years of the Modi government, sales of indigenous Khadi and village industry products made by artisans in rural areas have increased five-fold, from Rs 31,154.2 crore in the financial year 2013-14 to a record Rs 1,55,673.12 crore in the financial year 2023-24,” KVIC Chairman Manoj Kumar stated.
Kumar highlighted that surpassing all previous records, there has been a 400 percent increase in sales, a 314.79 percent rise in production, and an 80.96 percent boost in new employment generation in 2023-24 compared to 2013-14. He attributed this outstanding performance to the inspiration of revered Bapu, the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the tireless efforts of millions of artisans working in remote villages across the country.
He noted that PM Modi’s endorsement of Khadi has significantly increased public confidence in Khadi products, turning Khadi into a new fashion status symbol among the youth. The rising demand for Khadi and village industry products is evident in the production, sales, and employment statistics.
Over the past decade, significant changes and decisions have been made to boost Khadi and village industry production, yielding positive results. These figures demonstrate the growing trust in ‘Make in India,’ ‘Vocal for Local,’ and ‘Swadeshi products.’
There has been a notable increase in Khadi fabric production in the last ten years. Production rose from Rs 811.08 crores in 2013-14 to Rs 3,206 crores in 2023-24, marking a 295.28 percent jump, the best performance to date. Khadi fabric production in 2022-23 was Rs 2,915.83 crore.
Demand for Khadi fabrics has also surged over the past decade. Sales grew from Rs 1,081.04 crores in 2013-14 to Rs 6,496 crores in 2023-24, an increase of 500.90 percent. Khadi fabrics worth Rs 5,942.93 crore were sold in 2022-23.
PM Modi’s promotion of Khadi at high-profile events, such as the G-20 summit, has significantly boosted Khadi fabric sales, attracting global attention.
KVIC, under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, aims to maximize employment opportunities in rural areas.
Kumar also reported unprecedented growth in the business of Khadi and Gramodyog Bhavan in New Delhi. Business volume increased by 87.23 percent, from Rs 51.13 crores in 2013-14 to Rs 95.74 crores in 2023-24.
