As demand for khadi products rise in smaller cities and towns across the country, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) expects a turnover of Rs 5,000 crore in the financial year 2019-20, around Rs 1,800 crore more than previous year’s Rs 3,215 crore, reports Financial Express.

“Last year, our turnover was Rs 3215 crore (for Khadi). This year (FY 2019-20), a turnover of Rs 5000 crore is expected,” KVIC chairman Vinai Kumar Saxena was quoted in the report as saying.

The record turnover is expected on account of rising demand of khadi products in smaller centres and push from Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government in the recent years, Saxena said.

He further added that demand and popularity of khadi products have not only increased in larger urban centres like Delhi, but also in smaller cities and towns across the country. Rising number of Khadi India stores across the country also indicate the increasing popularity of the products.

“As many as 8070 Khadi India outlets have been opened across the country. Of these, over 2000 outlets were opened across the country in the last two years only.” Saxena said, adding that over 2000 ‘Khadi Bhandars’ have also been renovated.

The KVIC chairman said that they have also developed products for the paramilitary forces.

“We are trying to increase our reach everywhere to boost the sale of Khadi products,” said Saxena.

He further said that increase in sale of Khadi products would benefit as it would lead to increase in jobs in the sector.