Khadi products in huge demand via online portal

Prayagraj: At a time when state and central government are promoting indigenous products and small-scale industries, products made in rural belts of the district and marketed through state khadi’s e-market portal are now becoming popular.
Artisans are selling their products across the country through the e-portal of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC). Online sale through this portal started from year 2020 with Khadi masks being available for consumers and now it has become an e-market platform with 185 products available on the portal. 792 orders were received in Prayagraj division this year itself (till end of April).
KVIC’s online catalogue includes fine hand-spun fabrics such as muslin, silk, denim and cotton, wrist watches, honey, herbal and green tea, herbal medicines, soap, papad, mustard oil and other items. A variety of herbal cosmetics besides kurta-pyjama for men, jacket, shirt-pant, t-shirt, gamza (cloth towel), palazzo and trousers for women, khadi handkerchief, spices, herbal neem, wooden comb, shampoo, soap made from cow dung and cow urine, Yoga clothing and eatables also find place in the online portal of the KVIC. Secretary, Minister of Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial Village Industry Establishment, Baraut, Prayagraj, RB Singh says that cotton and poly products are in demand in urban populace. Secretary of Bhagirathi Harijan Gramodaya Samiti, Jhunsi, Dinesh Pasi said that it is through KVIC that he supplies dusters and bedsheets to the Railways.
UP Khadi Board member Ramashankar Shakal said that online sale of Khadi products is going to give impetus to the Swadeshi campaign. “Khadi’s e-market portal is providing an additional platform to artisans to sell their products. This is a strong step towards building a ‘self-reliant India”, he said. According to district khadi and village industries officer, Ramavatar Yadav, “The range of products ranges from Rs 50 to Rs 5000, keeping in mind the choice and affordability of all sections of buyers. Due to this, Khadi institutions are getting a big market”. KVIC has set a minimum order of Rs 599 for free delivery of goods, he added.