Khadi and Village Industries Board plans to increase its sales turnover to Rs 150 crore this fiscal year through a variety of measures, including the introduction of new designs and clothing materials. In the previous fiscal year, the board's turnover was less than 50 crore.
The circular issued by the Industries department in January encouraging government employees to use Khadi products once a week, according to Board vice-chairman P. Jayarajan, was one of the factors that boosted the sale of Khadi products.
Improving sales is part of the effort to revitalize the Khadi industry, which will benefit Khadi product makers in units other than those run by the board.
Jayarajan claimed that an "artificial scarcity" of cotton in the country was being created, which would be devastating to the Khadi industry. Cotton import duties were eliminated between April and September of this year, and exports were permitted.
He stated that the government should purchase cotton grown in the country and supply it to the Khadi industry because of its importance in job creation and the indigenous tradition it upholds.
Jayarajan also claimed that the government's policies were harming the Khadi industry. The rebate for Khadi products has now been reduced to 10% marketing development assistance. He was afraid that even that support would be withdrawn.
The state government has been providing a 20% rebate. to increase sales of Khadi products during the festival season The total rebate then adds up to 30 percent, including the Centre's assistance.
Material for trousers is one of the diverse products introduced by the board. According to Mr. Jayarajan, Khadi materials are entirely handwoven and command a high price. There are, however, counterfeit goods.
At the same time, the Centre's emphasis on competitiveness may have an impact on the viability of Khadi units, as the products are entirely handwoven and labor-intensive.
Kerala Khadi and Village Industries Board is a statutory body established in 1957 to organize and promote Khadi and village industries. The board's programmes are carried out by co-operatives, registered institutions, individuals, and departmental units. There are an estimated 6,000 Khadi weavers in the state, as well as 245 spinning and 177 weaving centres.
