SME Times News Bureau | 21 Oct, 2020
Union Minister for MSME Nitin Gadkari on
Wednesday launched India’s first-ever high quality Khadi Fabric Footwear,
designed by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) through Video
Conference.
These footwear are made of Khadi fabric like
Silk, Cotton and Wool. Shri Gadkari also launched the online sale of Khadi
footwear through KVIC’s e-portal www.khadiindia.gov.in.
Gadkari heaped praises on Khadi fabric footwear
saying such unique products had high potential of capturing the international
market. At the same time, he said, Khadi fabric footwear would create
additional employment and higher income for our artisans.
“Khadi footwear is a unique product.
International quality and use of fine fabric like Patola Silk, Banarasi Silk,
Cotton, Denim would attract the youngsters who can purchase it online. These
footwear are cost-effective,” Gadkari said.
He urged the KVIC to develop alternatives to
leather accessories like ladies’ handbags, purses, wallet in handcrafted Khadi
fabric that has a huge potential in foreign markets.
“By developing and marketing such products
overseas, Khadi India can capture a market worth Rs 5000 crore,” the MSME
Minister said.
Minister of State for MSME Pratap Chandra Sarangi
said the Khadi fabric footwear is not only environment-friendly and
skin-friendly but it reflects the hard work of Khadi artisans that has been put
in to make fabric for these footwear.
“I congratulate KVIC for developing Khadi fabric
footwear according to the global taste. I am sure by occupying a major share in
the footwear industry, Khadi fabric footwear will help in reviving the
country’s economy,” Shri Sarangi said.
Initially, the footwear have been launched in 15
designs for ladies and 10 designs for men.
Exquisite Khadi products like Patola Silk of
Gujarat, Banarasi Silk, Madhubani-printed Silk of Bihar, Khadi Denim, Tussar
Silk, Matka - Katia Silk, a variety of Cotton fabric, Tweed Wool and Khadi Poly
Vastra have been used to make these footwear unique and trendy.
Available in a wide range of designs, colors and
prints, these footwear have been designed to suit clothing for all purposes -
formal, casual and festive occasions. The Khadi footwear price ranges from Rs
1100 to Rs 3300 per pair.