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A sixth-grade social science textbook that I read described India as a piece of fabric, with countless threads coloured in a myriad of majestic shades, woven together. This metaphor holds exceptionally well when put into the context of our <keyword id="22706215" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="handloom-industry" source="keywords">handloom industry</keyword>. India has a rich history of handlooms and weaving cultures. The culture of handlooms is so intricately woven into Indian culture, that there are whole towns dedicated to the same: <keyword id="248532" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chanderi" source="Orion">Chanderi</keyword> in Madhya Pradesh to Pochampally in Telangana and a dozen more! Unfortunately, the handloom industry in India is dying. The struggle is multi-faceted, ranging from a declining workforce to fierce competition from <keyword id="20496028" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="power-looms" source="keywords">power looms</keyword>. Hence, five years ago, August 7 was proclaimed <keyword id="22677698" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Handloom-Day" source="keywords">National Handloom Day</keyword> in response to this crisis and to heighten public awareness. This date holds special historical significance, commemorating the initiation of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905—a pivotal act of defiance against British colonial rule. <h2>When did this industry come into existence?</h2>According to archaeological findings, the origins of handloom in the Indian subcontinent may be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The Mughal Empire was known to support and patronise <keyword id="20258864" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="weavers" source="keywords">weavers</keyword>. The support from the royal patrons resulted in the invention of new textiles such as ‘Mulmul’ and ‘Banarasi Brocade’ among others. This era witnessed a heightened worldwide demand for Indian textiles. In the 17th century, India produced 25% of the world’s textiles, with Bengal accounting for more than 50% of textiles and 80% of silks imported by the Dutch from Asia. <h2>What led to the decline of the <keyword id="19934660" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-handloom" source="keywords">Indian handloom</keyword>?</h2>The East India Company's entry fuelled the industry's initial decline, which started in the 1830s. The weavers were obliged to sell only to the British, and that too at exceedingly cheap prices, virtually putting them out of business. On the other hand, Indian cloth was taxed excessively to promote machine-made British clothing. The Industrial Revolution in Britain strengthened their indigenous textile industry, giving rise to new markets for cheaper textiles. In India, the collapse of the Mughal aristocracies meant no access to royal patronage. As a result, textiles like Khadi and muslin had little demand in the market. Circling back to the present, the industry is facing both similar and new challenges. Fabrics made on power looms are cheaper and faster to produce, in comparison to handloom fabrics. The industry is largely unorganised, and the wages are shockingly low. 67% of <keyword id="22706216" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="handloom-workers" source="keywords">handloom workers</keyword> are earning less than the minimum wage every month. Faced with economic challenges, the older artisans are thus forced to encourage the newer generation to choose an alternative career path. This migration of the workforce from a traditional sector is evident from the fall in the number of weavers less than 35 years of age- from 26.13 lakh in 2009-10 to 16.07 lakh in 2019-20. The majority of weavers do not have access to banking facilities, let alone institutional credit. Furthermore, if one manages to accumulate credit, there is a mismatch between the supply and demand forces due to the lack of awareness about handwoven textiles in the current generation. <h2>Initiatives for revival</h2>The cultural significance of the Indian handloom isn’t just limited to its beauty and extravagance, but it extends to our independence struggle as well. The Swadeshi movement immortalised the charkha and advocated for the use of indigenous goods. Following independence, the Indian government took many measures to revive the handloom industry. In 1953, India’s Parliament approved the Khadi and Other Handloom Industries Development Act. In 1955, the All India Handloom Fabrics Marketing Cooperative Society was formed to promote the sale of fabrics produced by handloom cooperatives across India. The National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) aimed to provide financial assistance for marketing and production. The Handloom Weavers’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme offers health and life insurance to weavers, to ensure social security. The organisation commenced a fortnight-long exhibition, “VIRAASAT” dedicated to celebrating the 10th National Handloom Day began at Handloom Haat in Janpath, New Delhi on Saturday, 3rd August 2024, and will conclude on 16th August 2024. The Handloom Mark scheme was introduced to authenticate handloom products, thus enabling weavers to gain better market access and ensuring that consumers get genuine products. Moreover, the India Trade Portal also mentions that the GOI plans to provide financial assistance of Rs. 30 crore to at least 10,000 handlooms. Various state governments also regularly conduct handloom expos and fairs, providing platforms for weavers to showcase and sell their products directly to consumers. <h2>Contemporary Brands and their love for Indian handloom</h2>Modern, popular designers such as <keyword id="8264" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sabyasachi" source="Orion">Sabyasachi</keyword> and <keyword id="21493890" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ritu-kumar" source="keywords">Ritu Kumar</keyword> are known to work closely with weavers and have been doing their part by bringing worldwide attention to the handloom industries. Recently, <keyword id="1472101" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ajrakh" source="Orion">Ajrakh</keyword> was brought into the limelight when Alia Bhatt wore a custom Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla Ajrakh saree to Joy Awards in Riyadh. However, it’s not just the fashion moguls who are working towards the revival of this industry. Contemporary indie brands are partnering with local weavers, and creating awareness about their work. The emergence of such indie brands and their association with local artisans is beneficial for both entities. For instance, Joskai Studio derives its name from ‘Joskai’, a woven piece of cloth worn as a part of the traditional costume of the Tiwa community of Assam. They work with artisans in northeast India, specifically from the weaving village of Saualkuchi in Assam. Rouka by Sreejith Jeevan is a Kerala-based brand that works strictly with weavers from Kerala, specifically Chendamangalam and Kuthampally. <h2>Employment and Exports</h2>According to the Indian Trade Portal, the Indian handloom sector is the country’s second-largest employer after agriculture in rural areas. The Handloom Census 2019-20 mentions that the industry employs about 35,22,512 workers across the country, with women forming 77.29% of the workforce. India is the second largest exporter of handloom products in the world, with exports valued at $ 353.9 million in 2017- 18, as per EXIM bank's working papers. The major handloom export centres are Karur, Panipat, Varanasi and Kannur where handloom products like bed linen, table linen, toilet linen, floor coverings, and embroidered textile materials and curtains etc. are produced for export markets. During April 2021-February 2022, India exported handloom products worth 1693 crore, as per Indian Trade Portal. Indian silk scarves also form a sizable chunk of total handloom exports, in addition to home textiles like carpets, rugs and mats, which constitute over 13.6% of India’s total handloom exports. <h2>The Path Forward</h2>The mere existence of organisations and allocation of funds isn’t enough to sustain the legacy of India’s rich handloom industry. Big corporations working with local weavers ensure employment but don't protect them from exploitation and meagre wages, leaving them vulnerable. The people in power ought to come up with strategies that ensure the trickle-down effect of the schemes and funds. The new generation of buyers has a greater purchasing power than the one before them. Marketing focused on bringing Indian handloom practices into the limelight can do wonders in this case.

Fabric of a nation: Sustaining India's handloom legacy in modern times

<ul><li>The <keyword id="1400873" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Khadi-Village-Industries-Commission">Khadi Village Industries Commission</keyword> (KVIC) saw a 25% jump in sales to ₹75,000 crore. </li><li>KVIC’s sales are twice that of the largest consumer goods company in India, Hindustan Unilever (HUL). </li><li>The growth in KVIC sales volume can be attributed to the increase in demand for khadi products. </li></ul>The Indian government’s retail division that boasts exclusively of ‘Made in India’ consumer products — Khadi Village Industries Commission (KVIC) — saw a 25% jump in sales in the year ending on 31 March, 2019. In comparison to India’s largest fast moving consumer goods company, Hindustan Unilever (HUL), KVIC’s sales stood at ₹75,000 crore — twice that of HUL’s at ₹38,000 crore. A large part of this explosive growth has come from khadi or handmade products, which grew at their fastest rate ever in the last four years. Khadi in vogue KVIC’s growth in sales is largely due to a rise in demand for khadi products — like papad, honey and cosmetics. Together they accounted for 4.3% of all sales. And, then there’s khadi itself. KVIC is not only selling it in stores but also <a href="https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/spinning-on-khadi-weaves-a-success-story-rs-3200-crore-sales-in-fy19/1527425/">supplying</a> to bigwig fabric companies like Raymond, Arvind Mills and Aditya Birla Fashion. They’re also tying up with state-owned companies — like ONGC, Oil India and even the Indian Post Office — to give out gift coupons to employees, and use khadi for uniforms. Not to mention that khadi is reportedly ‘chic’ fashion in the current era in part due to its comfort. Indian millennials <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/khadi-the-fabric-for-india-s-fashionable-and-young-1451881-2019-02-09">look</a> at khadi as an icon of sustainable fashion. Actress Kangana Ranaut is one of the many Indian celebrities who promotes homespun fashion at global film festivals. Make in India and Buy Indian Khadi, a hand spun and hand woven cloth, was one of the weapons of Mahatma Gandhi’s fight for freedom from the British. As a part of the Swadeshi movement, he inspired his countrymen to buy products made by Indians to support the local economy, than allowing Britain to market its own. Today, KVIC is the statutory body responsible for the planning, promotion and organisation of the programmes that aid the use of khadi across. Their growth is also fueled by the current government’s push for local manufacturers with the ‘Make in India’ programme. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/local-phone-manufacturing-saves-india-3-trillion-through-make-in-india/articleshow/65517201.cms">Local phone manufacturing saves India ₹3 trillion through Make in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-invites-manufacturers-for-6-5-billion-p-75-submarines-contract/articleshow/69883990.cms">Indian government kick-starts ₹450 billion project to make six submarines under Make in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/made-in-india-apple-iphones-wont-be-cheap-enough-for-indian-users/articleshow/67285223.cms">‘Made-in-India’ Apple iPhones may get cheaper but they probably won’t be cheap enough for Indian users</a>

Indians are buying more Khadi than Hindustan Unilever products

<ul><li>Actor <keyword id="6354603" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kamal-haasan" source="Orion">Kamal Haasan</keyword> has launched his fashion label ‘House of Khaddar’.</li><li>The idea behind House of Khaddar is to create a clothing line that flaunts <keyword id="10459" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="khadi" source="Orion">khadi</keyword> as a textile.</li><li>The label also aims at uplifting and bettering the lives of the handloom weavers in India. </li><li>The fragrance line is inspired by the ancient use of scent in every religious ceremony or prayer.</li></ul>Actor Kamal Haasan has entered the the fashion industry with the launch of his label ‘House of Khaddar’. The superstar presented his clothing line ‘<keyword id="10634721" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kh-house-of-khaddar" source="Orion">KH House of Khaddar</keyword>’ and the ‘KH memoir’ fragrance line to the members of the media and VIP guests present at the function held in Chicago. A portion of the proceeds from pre-release sales at the event were donated to Pivoting in Heels, a Non-profit organisation Haasan supports. <div type="twitter" handle="ikamalhaasan" handlename="Kamal Haasan" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/932972987925520385/tUTtlK6x_normal.jpg" favoritecount="9672" retweetcount="1835" status="Our weavers chance to loom large. Dear West, follow the thread it will reach you to our history. Bravo khaddar says… https://t.co/qaUDNA0IHn" createdat="1637025085000" id="1460415176675524609"></div> The idea behind House of Khaddar is to create a clothing line that flaunts khadi as a textile. The generic image that Khadi holds in most people’s minds is about to be shattered as House of Khaddar aims at showcasing the fabric in a chic, cool and modern avatar that will appeal to the youth of the nation. The label also aims at uplifting and bettering the lives of the handloom weavers in India. The fragrance line is inspired by the ancient use of scent in every religious ceremony or prayer. Commenting on the brand, designer of 'KH House of Khaddar' <keyword id="10030110" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="amritha-ram" source="Orion">Amritha Ram</keyword> says, "This is part of the big fashion dream every designer has because it is a validation of your work and this opportunity coming from Kamal Haasan makes all the difference. It means the boss believes that the product is desirable enough to translate itself to the market. The greatest joy for me in putting together this collection is to be able to create a kind of a fashion democracy. We as a brand want people to understand the concept of inclusivity and fluidity. These are increasingly important conversations, given our current environment. Sustainability has to be on your mind as a designer today; it’s our responsibility. If we consume less, the world will become more sustainable." On launching his debut fashion line in Chicago, Kamal Haasan says "Chicago is a special city with rich history. The desi culture here speaks for itself. We needed the right city to showcase our brands. The population here understands both fragrance and clothing more than anywhere else in North America.” When asked about collaborating with any celebrity or athelete to endorse KH Brand Line, He says "If the celebrity and or athlete shares our vision and can maintain the brand standard we would keep in consideration. We want to make sure we collaborate with the right individuals to gain the right scope for both lines of business."

Kamal Haasan launches his fashion brand ‘KH House of Khaddar’ to revamp khadi's image in the market

When it comes to <keyword id="2302365" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="village-industries">village industries</keyword> and <keyword id="10459" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Khadi">khadi</keyword> units, one doesn’t generally assume that they would be worth big bucks. However, the last year’s sales of these low-profile segments have managed to cross the mark of Rs 50,000 crore for the first time. Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/fab-india-actually-gave-khadi-abreather-by-establishing-its-own-brand-heres-why/articleshow/57219443.cms">Fab India actually gave Khadi a breather by establishing its own brand. Here’s why</a> One could assume that the rise in <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/strategy/government-is-considering-mandating-khadi-for-office-wear/articleshow/51324639.cms">khadi</a> sales is because of the immense support it gets from <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/politics/PM-Modi-Promotes-Khadi-Cleanliness-In-Maiden-Radio-Address/articleshow/44191399.cms">the government</a>, but the same can’t be said about products like honey, soaps, cosmetics, furniture and organic food items, which have surprisingly seen bumper rise in demands. Most of these products are produced in village industries run by women. Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/guess-who-replaced-mahatma-gandhi-and-is-the-new-face-of-khadi-udyogs-calendar/articleshow/56498528.cms">Guess who replaced Mahatma Gandhi and is the new face of Khadi Udyog’s calendar</a> As per Khadi &amp; Village Industries Commission (KVIC) data, sales of village industries produce, also called <keyword id="1745375" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="gramodyog">Gramodyog</keyword>, grew 24% in last fiscal, managing to reach just under Rs 50,000 crore. Meanwhile, sale of khadi products saw a rise of 33% from previous fiscal. The rise in khadi and village products can be cited to consumer preference, which is increasingly shifting towards natural products. Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/culture/sabyasachi-mukherjee-just-launched-the-udaipur-collectionand-it-looks-absolutely-stunning/articleshow/57450307.cms">Sabyasachi Mukherjee just launched ‘The Udaipur Collection’ and it looks absolutely stunning</a>

Happy surprise! Sales of Khadi and village goods have crossed the Rs 50,000 cr mark

<ul><li>The Indian government is mulling over increasing the import duty levied on round bamboo sticks or raw <keyword id="1267576" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="agarbatti">agarbatti</keyword> sticks to slow down the imports from China.</li><li>The surge in imports from China and <keyword id="13486" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vietnam">Vietnam</keyword> has started hurting India's ₹60 billion agarbatti industry. </li><li>The surge in demand for Chinese agarbatti has forced to close down 25% of the units of Khadi and Village Industries Commission, threatening people of job loss. </li></ul>The Indian government is looking to increase import duty on raw agarbatti sticks to fight away the growing popularity of Chinese incense sticks. A surge in imports from China and Vietnam <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/government-in-huddle-as-fragrance-of-chinese-agarbattis-spreads-far-and-wide/articleshow/70885500.cms?from=mdr">has started hurting India's ₹60 billion agarbatti industry</a>, reported Economic Times. This duty increase if it happens, will undo the country’s errors of the past. India had reduced the import duty on raw agarbatti sticks under Indo-Asean free trade agreement from 30% to 10% in 2011. Later, it was reduced went down to 5% in 2018. As a result, raw agarbatti imports rose by a massive 1641% to ₹54 billion in 2018. The duty changes affected the indegenous industry which mostly comprises of MSMEs. Due to cheaper imports, they had to cut down prices to ₹48 per kg from ₹70 per kg. This is yet another body blow to a homegrown sector, as the country itself is in the throes of a slowdown. However, the surge in demand for Chinese agarbatti resulted in the closure of 25% of the units of Khadi and Village Industries Commission. As many as 2 million people are employed by the industry. The domestic market is concentrated around Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. While the sector has been exporting to the Gulf, Africa and Europe, they are being beaten down by competition in the domestic market, which is key for their survival. The domestic demand is at around 1,397 tonnes a day which Chinese products are eating into.

Growing sales of Chinese agarbattis is not appeasing the Indian government

If your father was a government employee who didn’t have a uniform, you probably remember him ditching the formal clothes on Fridays and wearing a casual T-shirt and a pair of jeans to the office. However, if reports are to be believed, Friday dressing in government offices could only mean one thing now, wearing Khadi. 
 
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is thinking to appeal to the government to encourage its 35 lakh employees (not counting railways and defence personnel) to wear clothes made from the hand-spun fabric at least once a week, so that the production can get a boost and weavers across the country can be benefited. 
 
"We are discussing this with the government and we will make an appeal. Employees can wear it to work on just one day," KVIC chairman VK Saxena told TOI. Even though the employees would be given a choice to wear hand-woven fabrics, the basic idea is to increase sales. 
 
"Even if everyone buys one Khadi garment, imagine the rise in sales," said an officer. 
 
On another note, KVIC is contacting companies like Fabindia and Raymond to retail high-end Khadi at some of their outlets. KVIC has also suggesting pushing Khadi for uniform in government schools, defence forces, railways and Air India. 
 
"We are not seeking charity. We are competing on the basis of quality and price," said Saxena pointing to a Rs 40 crore railways tender that KVIC recently received. 
 
<a href="http://www.utsavpedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/DSC00046.jpg">Image source</a>

Your Friday Office dress-code could soon be only Khadi

New Delhi, Mar 3 () The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) from Tuesday started selling its stock to bulk buyers at discounted rates of up to Rs 5,000 per candy in a move to help the industry get raw material at cheaper prices. State-run CCI in an order said the discount is being offered on a purchase up to 15,000 bales of cotton to MSME spinning mills, KVIC (Khadi and Village Industries Commission) units and cooperative spinning mills. Industry players said that discounted rates will give much-needed boost to the already raw cotton starved Indian industry which has been reeling under severe pressure due to the high raw cotton prices. The CCI is selling cotton pertaining to crop year 2018-19. The discount scheme will be application from March 3 till April 30 this year, the order said. The CCI is offering a minimum discount of Rs 3,200 per candy for the purchase of 100 bales per day and maximum discount of Rs 5,000 per candy for the purchase of over 4,500 bales per day especially to MSME spinning mills, KVIC units and cooperative spinning mills. However, for other bulk buyers, the minimum discount has been fixed at Rs 3,200 per candy for a purchase of 500 bales per day, while maximum discount of Rs 5,000 per candy for purchasing more than 1 lakh bales per day, the order said. The discount scheme is applicable on CCI processed stock and is in supersession of bulk incentive scheme for stock of 2018-19 season, the order added. Commenting on the development, Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) Chairman T Rajkumar said sale of cotton at a discounted rate will give a much-needed boost to the already raw cotton starved Indian industry which has been reeling under severe pressure due to the high raw cotton prices and declining export of cotton yarn. He also said the move will really give an impetus to the industry to regain and increase its share of exports in international trade. The industry body said export of cotton yarn in the current fiscal declined by more than 30 per cent due to which there was a very limited demand of raw cotton which discouraged not only the cotton spinners but also CCI, which could not sell the cotton procured in the 2018-19 season to the tune of 9 lakh bales on drop in cotton prices. This year, the CCI has already procured over 60 lakh bales of cotton at a minimum support price, the cost of which is much higher than the market price. Hence, the CCI has been quoting higher prices than the market price and practically there was no off-take of cotton from the already cash-starved cotton yarn industry due to the low demand in domestic as well as global market, Rajkumar added. RSN LUX MR

You Searched For "khadi sales india" and got 7 results

Fabric of a nation: Sustaining India's handloom legacy in modern times

Prerna Tyagi

Indians are buying more Khadi than Hindustan Unilever products

Prabhjote Gill

Kamal Haasan launches his fashion brand ‘KH House of Khaddar’ to revamp khadi's image in the market

BI India Partner

Happy surprise! Sales of Khadi and village goods have crossed the Rs 50,000 cr mark

BI India Bureau

Growing sales of Chinese agarbattis is not appeasing the Indian government

Preeti Soni

Your Friday Office dress-code could soon be only Khadi

BI India Bureau

CCI to sell cotton stock at discount to bulk buyers; industry hails move

PTI

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