Star News Agency

New Delhi. The Khadi Pavilion at the India international Trade Fair (IITF-09) carries the theme of “Export of Services-Healthy Growth Progress” was inaugurated by Smt. Gursharan Kaur, in the presence of Shri Dinsha J. Patel, Minister of MSME and Sushri Kumud Joshi, Chairperson, Khadi and Village Industries Commission.

Going around the Khadi Pavilion Smt. Gursharan Kaur admired the Khadi products on display and said that each item on display showed the tremendous effort put in by the spinners, weavers and artisans. She showed keen interest in the solar energy operated Charkha as an alternative to manual spinning.

The Minister of MSME, Shri Dinsha J. Patel on the occasion said that Khadi is not a cloth and but a idea, a thought. Khadi has been the mainstay of rural employment generation and also the mantra to uplift the poor masses. The Minister further added that IITF at Pragati Maidan provides unique opportunities to the institution and artisans to interact with people of all cross section and learn ways and means to make KVI products more competitive and remunerative.

He stressed that KVIC should make special efforts to intensify its activities in potential areas such as J&K, and NER to tap the potential of forest based industries by publicize its activities/schemes to create greater awareness among people.

Chairperson, Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Sushri Kumud Joshi said that Khadi and Village Industries Commission on its’ over 50 years of existence has helped in a remarkable way for the development of India particularly its rural populace. KVIC have covered 1/3rd villages of the country through various programmes providing earning avenues to more than two million persons as on 31st March 2009. Goods and services worth of Rs. 17338 crore is being produced under KVI sector and its sales-turnover stood at Rs. 22478 crore during 2008-09. The products of KVI sector are not only acclaimed in domestic market but also received tremendous response abroad as well.

Around 52 stalls of Artisans, craftsmen, Institutions and units from all over the country right from the Jammu & Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh are participating in this trade fair. Range of products includes Cane & Bamboo from North East, Munga & Endi silk from Assam, Handicrafts from Rajasthan, cotton Muslin khadi of Bengal, Embroidered & Readymade garments from Jammu & Kashmir and other products like organic food, Processed food, Herbal & beauty products, wood carving, Ayurvedic products, Eco friendly Handmade Paper & conversion products, papier Mache, food products & processed food, fibre developed products, Honey & Honey products, tribal Jewellery. In addition to, Khadi Denim & Designer khadi dress from other parts of the country are also on display and sale.