The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has highlighted how the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is helping rural communities turn traditional skills and local resources into sustainable businesses. The initiative combines training, financial support, modern tools and market access to transform artisans and village entrepreneurs into successful enterprise owners.
Key programmes and scale
KVIC operates through several schemes to strengthen rural enterprises. The Khadi Vikas Yojana, Gramodyog Vikas Yojana and Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme work together to bridge traditional knowledge with modern business practices.
One major focus is the Honey Mission, started in 2017 to promote scientific beekeeping among farmers, tribal communities and unemployed youth. Participants receive training, bee boxes, live bee colonies and toolkits to begin production. Between 2017–18 and 2025–26, around 2,46,000 bee boxes and bee colonies were distributed nationwide, leading to approximately 5,500 metric tonnes of honey production in 2025–26.
Beekeeping operates in multiple states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and the North-Eastern States. Beyond honey production, beekeeping supports agricultural pollination and contributes to biodiversity.
Ground-level examples
Three entrepreneurs demonstrate the model’s impact. In Tamil Nadu, a beekeeper produces AGMARK-certified honey and honey-based products while training farmers from weaker sections in modern beekeeping methods. Another entrepreneur in the same state manufactures vetiver-based agarbathi and herbal products after receiving support through the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana in 2024–25. A third has built a unit converting banana fibre waste into decorative and functional articles, earning state and central government recognition.
What this means for you
If you live in a rural area with traditional skills or access to local resources, KVIC schemes offer a structured pathway to turn these into income-generating businesses. The support includes not just money but training, equipment and help reaching markets. Beyond individual income, these enterprises can create employment opportunities for others in your community.