Union Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, inaugurated the ‘Khadi India Pavilion’ at the 43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2024, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The inauguration took place in the presence of several dignitaries, including Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), and senior officials from the Ministry of MSME and KVIC.
Speaking at the event, Shri Manjhi emphasized that the Khadi India Pavilion aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Developed India by 2047.” He highlighted that the pavilion features 225 exhibitors from across the country, showcasing a wide array of Khadi and Village Industry products. The participating exhibitors include Khadi artisans, units established under the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), and those under the SFURTI (Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries) Cluster initiative.
The Minister further shared that KVIC is preparing to launch a new scheme aimed at revitalizing Khadi in India. The scheme will focus on enhancing the marketing and export of Khadi products, with a particular emphasis on involving the younger generation. The initiative aims to encourage young entrepreneurs and fashion designers to contribute to the growth of Khadi, making it more relevant in today’s market.
Shri Manjhi also toured the pavilion and observed live demonstrations of traditional Khadi production processes, including the Desi Charkha, Peti Charkha, and electric potter’s wheel. He also witnessed the process of extracting Kachi Ghani oil and the creation of incense sticks (Agarbatti and Dhupbatti) made from flowers recycled from temple offerings.
The Khadi India Pavilion offers a significant platform for Khadi artisans and entrepreneurs to display their products to a broader audience, thereby creating new opportunities for growth and self-reliance. The pavilion, set up by the Center of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK), has garnered special attention from the youth, making it one of the main attractions at the fair.
The India International Trade Fair serves as an important event for entrepreneurs in the Khadi and village industries sector to promote their products and forge new connections with potential customers, ensuring the growth and sustainability of this vital sector.
