Khadi sales increases by 6 percent in 2013-14

Sales of khadi, a hand-woven cloth, registered a 6 percent growth in 2013-14

across the country, while the gain in production during this period was by about 6.45 percent. The success of this eco-friendly fabric has been attributed to khadi’s introduction in the field of fashion and rise in demand for khadi ensembles among the youth.

Data provided by Saurashtra Rachanatmak Samiti (SRS) says that total production of khadi in India increased by 6.45 percent. In value terms, it touched Rs 811.08 crores during 2013-14. Sales gained by 5.82 percent and rose to Rs 1,081.04 crores from previous fiscal's Rs 1,021.56 crores. Employment in khadi industry, on the other hand, improved by 2.52 percent in 2013-14.

The overall production of village industries' products rose by 8.75 percent to Rs 25,298 crores from Rs 23,262.31 crores, data suggests. Sales, meanwhile, gained 12.14 percent and reached Rs 30,073.16 crores in 2013-14 while employment ratio improved by 4.69 percent to touch 11.94 million people. Khadi and village industries generated about 535,000 new jobs last year. Total sale of khadi in Gujarat was valued at Rs 70.85 crores while production stood at Rs 58.11 crores.

Khadi and Village Industries Trust, a unit of Gandhigram Trust plans to undertake a major structural change to take khadi products to the younger generation and to compete with commercial institutions in the highly potential branded shirt market this festive season. The aim is also to promote organic and natural dyed clothes and readymade items, for which there is a very high demand in the market.