Wearing khadi fabric has its own advantages, and those who got used to this soft and comfy feel find it difficult to switch to any other material. Except the price factor and quality maintenance required, everything about khadi is fascinating.
As one enters the district-level Khadi Gramodyog exhibition that began at Lions Club on Saturday, a line of weavers from Srikakulam, Tuni, Ponduru, Krishnapuram, Pithapuram, Anakapalle, and Toorangi try to explain what khadi means to their clients, and the reason why the demand for the handloom weaves is ever growing.
Presented by the Divisional Office of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), there are about 15 stalls that exhibit a range of khadi weaves and a few more counters that have been set up to market various products manufactured by entrepreneurs and self-help group members who were benefited under the Prime Minster’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP).
“From 2008 to 2014, close to 7,572 were benefited under PMEGP across Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, and West Godavari districts. The scheme helps in getting a credit linked subsidy ranging from 25 to 35 per cent that comes up to Rs.25 lakh. With a nominal capital of 5-10 per cent, entrepreneurs can avail the subsidy to set up their units,” explains K. Brahmajee Rao, Deputy Director in-charge of KVIC. What appeared to be gaining momentum is the growing awareness on handloom weaves as well as food products prepared from natural sources.
The nine-day exhibition that offers 20 per cent discount on khadi products will be on till August 30 between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m.
