Date:21/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/11/21/stories/2008112151432100.htm

Back KVIC moves to promote khadi among youngsters

Our Bureau

Hyderabad, Nov. 20

The 7,000-odd khadi outlets across the country will be sporting a new look over the next couple of years. They will also try to attract the youth to see fashion appeal in wearing khadi, if the plans of Khadi and Village Industries Commission are any indication to go buy.

``Khadi has now improved very much and we are focussing on brand building and winning patronage from the younger generations,” Ms Kumud Joshi, Chairperson, KVIC told newspersons here on Thursday.

The Commission has requested the Finance Ministry to sanction Rs 3,500 crore for upgrading infrastructure, technology and research and development. ``The Government is in the process of roping in international funding agencies. The Asian Development Bank sanctioned $150 million last month, which will be used to boost khadi and village industries by the end of the 11th Plan period,” Ms Joshi said.

The Commission is in the process of helping the weavers adopt latest technologies to produce cotton in colours.

“We are already producing cotton in five natural colours and signed a memorandum of understanding with Dharwad Agricultural University for the purpose,” she said.

On the export front, the target is to double the exports from current Rs 400 crore over the next three years.