KVIC Supports Rural Enterprises Through Traditional Skills and Local Resources

New Delhi, Sep 7 (KNN) The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), is supporting rural entrepreneurs through training, financial assistance, improved tools and technology and market support aimed at converting traditional skills and local resources into viable enterprises.

Through initiatives including the Khadi Vikas Yojana (KVY), Gramodyog Vikas Yojana (GVY) and Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), KVIC is supporting entrepreneurs across sectors such as beekeeping, herbal products and banana-fibre products.

In Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu,T. Ajin has established Marthandam Honey Products, producing AGMARK-certified honey and honey blended with dry fruits. He also trains farmers, including those from economically weaker sections and SC/ST communities, in modern beekeeping practices.

B. Sundaraj has developed the Pure Health Herbal Agarbathi Unit, producing agarbathi, herbal products, Vetiver Agarbathi and Vetiver Samburani. His unit received support under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana during 2024-25 to strengthen manufacturing capabilities and expand its product range.

Under PMEGP, M. Murugesan operates a banana-fibre products enterprise through Om Banana Craft Private Limited, converting banana fibre into value-added articles. 

He has also received Central and State Government awards and participates in exhibitions, awareness programmes and training activities.

KVIC’s Honey Mission, launched in 2017, promotes scientific beekeeping by providing beneficiaries with training, bee boxes, live bee colonies and related toolkits. 

Around 2.46 lakh bee boxes and colonies were distributed between 2017-18 and 2025-26, contributing to around 5,500 metric tonnes of honey production in 2025-26.

KVIC said beekeeping also supports agricultural pollination and provides livelihood opportunities across several States, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and the North-Eastern States.

(KNN Bureau)