The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), a statutory body under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, has reported record growth in the sector during 2025–26. Sales of Khadi and Village Industries products reached ₹1.87 lakh crore by May 2026, while employment in the sector expanded to 2.04 crore workers. The growth reflects the government’s continued support for rural enterprises and artisanal skills through training, credit schemes, equipment assistance and market access.
Key facts
- Sales in 2025–26 reached ₹1.87 lakh crore, the highest on record.
- Sales have grown 501% since 2013–14; production rose 380% to ₹1,25,296 crore.
- Employment increased 56% to 2.04 crore people.
- Artisan remuneration rose from ₹4 per hank in 2013–14 to ₹15 per hank currently, a 275% increase.
- 79,682 trainees received training under KVIC programmes in 2025–26; 47,382 were women (59%).
- 37,769 machines, toolkits and equipment were distributed in 2025–26 under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana; cumulative total since March 2008 is over 3.23 lakh units.
- KVIC operates 35 training centres across departmental and non-departmental facilities.
- ₹245 crore was disbursed to 1,097 Khadi Institutions during 2024–25, benefiting 1,45,484 artisans.
- Under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), employment opportunities were created for nearly 97.95 lakh people since March 2008.
- 1,309 artisans benefited under the Workshed Scheme during 2025–26 (up to December 2025).
- KVIC maintains 8 departmental Khadi India sales outlets, 15 KVIC branches and partners with 8,035 Khadi Institution sales outlets nationwide.
- The annual Khadi Mahotsav runs from 2 October to 31 October.
How KVIC supports artisans and small producers
KVIC, established under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act, 1956, operates multiple schemes to strengthen rural enterprises. The organisation mandates planning, promotion and assistance for village industries, with particular attention to training, raw materials, marketing and quality improvement.
Training forms the foundation of KVIC’s support. Its network of 35 training centres offers courses in food products, bakery, beekeeping, agarbatti, candles and motor repairing. Women dominate the artisan workforce in the Khadi sector, making up more than 80% of approximately five lakh workers, and training programmes have reflected this, with nearly 59% of trainees in 2025–26 being women.
Beyond training, KVIC distributes equipment through the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana, which provides modern machines, toolkits and production equipment to strengthen manufacturing capacity. The scheme has handed out over 3.23 lakh units since March 2008.
The Khadi Vikas Yojana helps Khadi institutions improve products and respond to market demand. Its Modified Market Development Assistance scheme offers flexibility for value addition and market-oriented pricing, with ₹245 crore disbursed in 2024–25 to nearly 1,100 institutions.
Financial support includes access to credit. Under the Interest Subsidy Eligibility Certificate Scheme, eligible Khadi institutions can borrow at a concessional rate of 4% per annum. The Workshed Scheme provides improved production spaces and working conditions for artisans.
Market access and sales channels
KVIC operates digital and physical sales channels to connect village industry products with consumers. The online Khadi India store (www.khadiindia.gov.in) sells clothing, fabrics, grocery items, beauty products, essential oils and incense sticks. Physical presence includes 8 departmental Khadi India outlets and 15 KVIC branches, supplemented by 8,035 sales outlets run by Khadi Institutions across the country. KVIC also facilitates participation in domestic and international exhibitions to help rural enterprises reach new markets.
Employment and income growth
Employment in the sector has expanded significantly. The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), administered through KVIC, has created employment for nearly 97.95 lakh people since March 2008. Artisan incomes have also risen, with remuneration increasing from ₹4 per hank of yarn in 2013–14 to ₹15 per hank currently.
What this means for you
If you are a rural artisan or small producer, KVIC schemes offer training, equipment, credit and market access to build or expand your enterprise. If you run a Khadi institution, support is available for improving products, accessing credit at concessional rates and developing market-oriented pricing strategies. Consumers can support this ecosystem by purchasing Khadi and village industry products through the Khadi India online store or official sales outlets. The annual Khadi Mahotsav, held from 2 October to 31 October each year, is an opportunity to explore and purchase these products.