Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Chairman Manoj Kumar recently announced that Khadi sales at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, held from January 14 to February 27, 2025, surpassed ₹12 crore.
The exhibition, which featured 98 Khadi stalls and 54 village industry stalls, recorded a total of ₹9.76 crore in Khadi sales and ₹2.26 crore from village industry products.
Promoting Rural Economy Through Khadi
This surge in sales reflects the growing popularity of Khadi products and the vital role they play in promoting rural entrepreneurship.
The exhibition’s success at such a prestigious event like the Maha Kumbh underscores Khadi’s expanding appeal among a diverse audience, including pilgrims and tourists from across the country.
In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for rural development, KVIC also introduced the ‘Honey Mission’ to promote beekeeping and honey production.
During the Kumbh exhibition, Manoj Kumar distributed 2,050 bee boxes, colonies, and toolkits to 205 beekeepers across six states via a video conference from KVIC’s Rajghat office in Delhi.
The ‘Honey Mission,’ launched in 2017, has seen remarkable growth, with over 20,000 beneficiaries receiving more than 2 lakh bee boxes and colonies.
This initiative aligns with PM Modi’s goal of spreading the ‘Sweet Revolution’ to rural areas, empowering farmers with additional income through honey and bee farming.
The ‘Sweet Revolution’ & Its Impact
The KVIC Chairman recalled PM Modi’s 2016 speech in Banaskantha, Gujarat, where the Prime Minister called for a ‘Sweet Revolution,’ alongside the ‘White Revolution.’
PM Modi had emphasized the importance of bee farming not only for honey but also for bee wax, which is in high demand across industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, textiles, and cosmetics.
The success of the ‘Honey Mission’ demonstrates how beekeeping can be integrated into agricultural practices, increasing farmers’ income and making the country more self-reliant in honey production.
PM Modi had also shared these thoughts during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast, where he highlighted the economic potential of bee farming.
Achievements In The Khadi Sector
Over the last decade, KVIC has significantly boosted Khadi’s prominence.
The sales of Khadi and village industry products have grown fivefold, increasing from ₹31,000 crore to ₹1,55,000 crore.
Khadi garment sales alone have surged six times, reaching ₹6,496 crore. Additionally, the sector has contributed to creating over 10 lakh jobs, with women making up over 80% of the workforce.
The average income of Khadi artisans has risen by 213% in the past decade.
The success of the Khadi exhibition at the Maha Kumbh and the growth of the ‘Honey Mission’ reflect the broader success of PM Modi’s vision for rural economic development.
These initiatives are driving India towards self-sufficiency and offering sustainable livelihood opportunities to millions in rural areas.
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