Khadi output drops in Gujarat

It seems khadi, the fabric envisaged by Mahatma Gandhi as a tool to achieve self-reliance, is no longer finding favour in the state. Production and sales as well as employment in the industry have decreased in the state significantly.   

The annual report of Gujarat State Khadi Gramodhyog Board (GSKGB) for the financial year 2009-10 states that production of khadi decreased 4% and sales also went down by 2% in the year as compared 2008-09. Employment in the industry also dipped by 6% during the same period.  The report was tabled in the state assembly on Friday.  

In 2009-10, khadi worth Rs2647.33 lakh was produced in the state as compared to Rs2765.84 lakh in 2008-09. Sales of this cotton fabric were also down to Rs3615.98 lakh as against Rs3680.92 lakh in the preceding year. Total 5,169 men and 6,967 women were employed in khadi activities, whereas these figures were 5,717 and 7,172 respectively in 2008-09. 

Similar reports for other cottage industries run by the GSKGB like carpentry and foundry work, fibre making, service scheme, handmade paper, limestone, leather, and apiculture were also presented in the report.

In the carpentry scheme, production and sales have decreased but number of people employed in the segment has risen.